Potsdamn Flashcards
(13 cards)
What was the atmosphere at the Potsdam Conference compared to Yalta?
Markedly more tense
What was a major factor contributing to the tension at Potsdam?
German surrender leading to lack of a common enemy
What did Stalin believe regarding the West’s victory in Europe?
The West had depended on the USSR for victory
What were the casualty figures for the USSR compared to Britain and the US?
8-10 million Soviet soldiers vs. 383,800 British + 416,800 US deaths
What was a significant desire of the USSR after WWII?
Desire for revenge and compensation from Germany
What was Britain’s primary goal after WWII?
Maintaining peace and stability in Europe
What threat did Britain believe was posed by the USSR?
USSR was the biggest threat
What policies did Britain suggest to contain Germany and the USSR?
- Prevent Germany from rearming
- Respond to Russian aggression
What action did the USA take to force Japanese surrender?
Decided to act without Soviet help
What was the purpose of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
To warn the Soviets not to act aggressively
What were the main agreements reached at the Potsdam Conference?
- Demilitarization and denazification of Germany
- Division of Germany and Berlin into four occupation zones
- Prosecution of Nazi war criminals
- Return of countries to pre-war borders
- Shifting Germany’s eastern border west
- Expulsion of German populations outside the new border
- Transformation of Germany’s heavy industry economy
What government was recognized at the Potsdam Conference?
The Soviet-controlled Polish government
What did the Potsdam Declaration outline?
Terms of surrender for Japan: surrender or face destruction
