Transcript File
The Yalta & Potsdam Conferences to consider whether the Cold War started in1945. In the beginning… • In may 1945 American troops entered Berlin from the west, as Russian troops moved in from the East. • They met and celebrated victory together. • Yet 3 years later they were arguing over Berlin and war seemed a real possibility. YALTA – Feb 1945 YALTA – Feb 1945 • Feb 1945 – obvious Germany was losing the war in Europe so the allies met • Yalta = Ukraine • Met to decide what should happen after Germanys defeat • Despite differences the conference went well Yalta Agreements • Stalin agreed to enter the war against the Japan once Germany had surrendered. • Germany to be divided into 4 zones – British, French, American & Soviet (Berlin there though also divided into 4). • They would hunt and punish war criminals Yalta Agreements • Stalin could have some influence over Eastern Europe – but their would be free elections to choose Govt • Germany should pay reparations • All would join the United Nations (aim for peace) PROBLEMS • Relations between Churchill & Stalin were frosty • The greatest source of conflict was over Poland • The Soviets had established a communist friendly Govt there • The allies didn’t want that • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybnzMn FEWJY&feature=related POTSDAM – July to August 1945 • Potsdam = Berlin suburb – many changes since Yalta. 1. Stalin’s armies occupied most of Eastern Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech, Poland, Finland) 2. America had a new President – Roosevelt had died – Truman was more anti communist 3. The allies had tested the atomic bomb DISAGREEMENTS AT POTSDAM • July 1945 = British election (now Clement Atlee deeply suspicious of Stalin) • In a very hostile atmosphere: 1. Disagreed over what to do with Germany (Stalin wanted to cripple it – USA no) 2. Reparations – Russia wanted them - the USA did not want a repeat of the TOV 3. Truman agreed – bitterly – to recognise the Polish Govt • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQu4YL OajuA