Pre-War Situation Flashcards
(6 cards)
Why was the main source of tension between the USSR and the West before 1941?
Ideological conflict (Communism vs. Capitalism) So the West (USA, and Western Europe) against the East (Eastern Europe, USSR)
What Revolution caused tensions between the USSR and the West before 1941?
Russian Revolution (1917) – Western nations supported anti-Bolsheviks. (Bolsheviks = Communist) The Bolsheviks were led by Lenin. Created shortly after the Tsar abdicated his position as the temporary government could not offer major reforms as they were only temporary. Lenin promised “Peace, Bread, Land”
What pact caused tensions between the USSR and the West before 1941?
Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939) – USSR’s agreement with Hitler increased mistrust. Germany and the USSR agreed to not attack each other for 10 years. The West saw this as ridiculous and that Stalin was likened to Hitler.
What type of expansion caused tensions between the USSR and the West before 1941?
Soviet Expansion (1939-41) – USSR took Poland, Baltic states, Finland. The USSR expanded its influence by creating the Eastern Bloc across states like Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. Stalin set up puppet communist governments that he could control. He repressed anyone who resisted.
Why did tension grow between 1941-1943? What was uneasy?
Allied cooperation was uneasy – USSR & USA only united against Hitler. They only had one aim which was to get rid of Hitler, they did not get along via ideologies.
Summary of tensions before 1945?
The East and West do not get along ideologically. The West heavily distrusts Stalin but at this point will work with him if they HAVE to in order to get rid of Hitler. The West were also not happy about the increase in Soviet influence.
