Origins of the Cold War15-1

Yalta Conference FDR, Churchill, Stalin met to discuss the fate of Europe

after WWII. This meeting ended positively, but would lay the

foundation for what would become the Cold War.

Poland The Soviets liberated

Poland from Germany during the war.

Stalin wanted to control Poland because it fell on the ‘Soviet Side’ of Europe.

FDR and Churchill did not support this.

Stalin promised to allow for free elections but never followed through on his promise.

Declaration of Liberated Europe The Big 3 all agreed European nations would be free to

choose their government. Allies supported the idea of democratic governments.

Stop and Think

What happened at the Yalta conference? Who was present?

What was the issue with Poland? What was Stalin’s feeling towards Poland?

Dividing Germany

4 zones- US, GB, France, SU Also divided up the capital city

of Berlin into 4 zones Tensions would later increase

regarding German reparations

1946-1990 Stalin goes back on his

word Pushes for communist

governments in Eastern European countries

SU- Increase security and keep Germany weak

US- keep the economy up to avoid depression

Spread democracy

Post War GoalsCold War

Harry S. Truman

Took very firm stance against the Soviet Union and the spread of communism

Stop and Think

What were the goals of the Soviet Union just after the war?

What were Truman’s feelings towards communism?

Potsdam Conference

Both sides disagreed on war reparations from Germany SU wanted to get as much $ and supplies as possible US does not want to repeat the mistakes made after WWI

Need Germany’s economy strong to help with future economy Tension begin to rise even further after this meeting

An Iron Curtain descends over Europe…

Satellite Nations- all Eastern European nations that SU had influence over Felt that you should be

able to impose your own social system on all of your territories

Iron Curtain- coined by Churchill Imaginary border that ran

through Europe separating communist nations with non-communist nations

Please Do Now!

Using what we know about the Treaty of Versailles and the treatment of Germany, explain why President Truman was adamant about not crushing Germany with reparations?

Create an ACROSTIC POEM using the term COLD WAR.