Cold War Origins Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What was the Yalta Conference?

The Yalta Conference was a meeting held during World War II from February 4 to February 11, 1945, by the heads of state of the Allied nations (Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill) to plan the occupation of post-war Germany.

What was the state of Europe during the time of the Yalta Conference?

When the Yalta Conference was held, WWII was nearing an end, with Germany on the verge of an unconditional surrender and Japan fighting defensively.

What happened after the Yalta Conference?

Following the Yalta Conference, the Allies finished their invasion of Germany, and in July 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Japan.

When was the Potsdam Conference?

The Potsdam Conference was held from July 16 to August 2, 1945, in Potsdam, occupied Germany. Signup and view all the answers

Who was one notable person missing from the Potsdam Conference?

President Roosevelt of the United States died on April 12, 1945, and was subsequently unable to attend the conference. Signup and view all the answers

What were the changes in leadership prior to the Potsdam Conference?

Besides Roosevelt's death, Britain had elected Clement Attlee as the new Prime Minister. Signup and view all the answers

What were the goals of the Potsdam Conference?

The goals were to establish a stable post-war Germany, hold free elections in Poland, and set up the United Nations following the failure of the League of Nations. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of the Potsdam Conference?

All of the goals listed were achieved. Signup and view all the answers

What happened a day after the Potsdam Conference began?

The United States successfully tested their first atomic bomb. Signup and view all the answers

Was there tension in the allied camp after Potsdam, and if so, why?

Yes, there was tension due to decisions made between the USSR and the United States regarding reparations and concerns about Stalin's intentions in Poland. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Curzon line?

The Curzon line was the border to be drawn between Poland and the USSR, which was decided during the Yalta Conference. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was an agreement in which Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union agreed to remain neutral if attacked by a third party. Signup and view all the answers

What was the western reaction to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

The West was angered and felt betrayed because they believed it confirmed the Soviet Union's treachery. Signup and view all the answers

What was the connection of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact to the start of the Cold War?

It ruined relations between the capitalist West and communist Russia and made them worse than they had been in the previous 20 years. Signup and view all the answers

What happened post-1938 regarding Germany's demands for concessions from Czechoslovakia?

Russia wanted to deny Germany's demands, while Britain and France, fearing war, obliged Germany at a Munich conference on September 29, 1938. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction to Germany's demands?

The Allies' concession changed the war's state, putting Germany in a favorable position and straining relations with Russia. Signup and view all the answers

What were the great purges?

The great purges were a period (1936-1938) in the Soviet Union when dozens of Soviet leaders were killed or put on trial for allegedly collaborating with Nazis. Signup and view all the answers

What was the western reaction to the great purges?

Western nations began to doubt the ability and trustworthiness of the Soviet Union due to its brutality towards its own people and loss of leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Yalta Conference

Held from February 4-11, 1945, by leaders Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill.
Planned the post-war occupation of Germany.

State of Europe During Yalta

WWII was nearing its end, with Germany about to surrender unconditionally.
Japan was in a defensive position.

Aftermath of Yalta Conference

Allies completed their invasion of Germany.
In July 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Japan.

Potsdam Conference

Took place from July 16 to August 2, 1945, in Potsdam, Germany.

Leadership Changes Prior to Potsdam

President Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, missing Potsdam.
Clement Attlee became British Prime Minister following election.

Goals of the Potsdam Conference

Establish a stable post-war Germany.
Organize free elections in Poland.
Set up the United Nations after League of Nations failure.

Results of the Potsdam Conference

Achieved all set goals, including Poland's political arrangements.

Atomic Bomb Test

The day after Potsdam began, the U.S. successfully tested its first atomic bomb.

Tensions Post-Potsdam

Tensions arose among allies due to decisions on USSR reparations.
Attlee and Truman distrustful of Stalin's intentions for Poland, suspecting pro-communist government setup.

Curzon Line

Established border between Poland and the USSR during the Yalta Conference.

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

Non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, agreeing to remain neutral against third parties.

Western Reaction to the Pact

Anger and feelings of betrayal in the West, viewing it as confirmation of Soviet duplicity.

Impact of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact on Cold War Relations

Severed relations between the capitalist West and communist Russia, worsening over the preceding 20 years.

Events Following 1938 Demands from Germany

USSR aimed to resist German demands; Britain and France, fearing war, agreed to concessions.
The Munich Agreement met all German demands, securing Germany's favorable position.

Reaction to Germany's Concessions

Germany's position strengthened, revealing Western powers' fears.
Strained relations between Western powers and Russia due to lack of consultation.

Great Purges in Soviet Union

Occurred from 1936 to 1938, resulting in execution and trials of Soviet leaders for alleged Nazi collaboration.

Western Reaction to Great Purges

Western nations questioned the trustworthiness and stability of the Soviet regime due to brutal internal repression and loss of leadership.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of the Cold War origins with these flashcards. This quiz covers crucial events like the Yalta Conference and the state of Europe during that era. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of historical events leading to the Cold War.