Potsdam Conference July 1945

Potsdam Conference July 1945

Potsdam Conference July 1945

  • Germany now had surrendered.
  • Russian troops liberated many countries in Eastern Europe from Germany but left Russian troops there. Many people fled as they feared communism. Russia set up Communist government in Poland.
  • USA had a new President Truman who was more anti-Communist.
  • USA tested the atom bomb which scared Stalin.
  • Britain had a new Prime minister Clement Attlee.
  • Conference dominated by the rivalry between Stalin and Truman.
  • Stalin and Truman didn't get on well and neither appreciated the others viewpoint.
  • Problems at Potsdam:
  • Stalin wanted Germany crippled but Truman didn't want a repeat of the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Stalin wanted harsh reparations as 20 million Russians had been killed but again Truman didn't want a repeat of the Treaty of Versailles.
  • As a result of the Sphere of influence, Russia wanted pro-Soviet governments in Eastern Europe but Truman didn't like this idea and adopted a "Get Tough" approach".
  • The conference ended without complete agreement and both sides were to blame for this.
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