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Explain two of the following: • The importance of the Potsdam Conference for early Cold War tension between the USA and the Soviet Union - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain two of the following: • The importance of the Potsdam Conference for early Cold War tension between the USA and the Soviet Union. • The importance of the r... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: • The importance of the Potsdam Conference for early Cold War tension between the USA and the Soviet Union - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
The importance of the Potsdam Conference for early Cold War tension between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Answer
The Potsdam Conference, held in July-August 1945, was crucial in shaping post-war Europe and establishing initial tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union. One significant factor was the differing ideologies of Truman and Stalin, which led to increased mistrust.
At the conference, the USA, under President Truman, aimed to establish a more democratic and capitalist Europe, while Stalin sought to expand Soviet influence over Eastern Europe. This clash of priorities contributed to the ideological divide that characterized the Cold War. Moreover, Truman's insistence on the reparations issue showcased the growing rift, as he felt that economic recovery in Germany might be hindered by excessive reparations demands from the Soviets.
Therefore, the Potsdam Conference symbolized the beginning of a power struggle and set the tone for subsequent confrontations during the Cold War.
Step 2
The importance of the refugee problem in Berlin for increasing tensions between East and West in the years 1958-61.
Answer
The refugee crisis in Berlin during the late 1950s significantly heightened tensions between East and West. As East Germans sought to escape the oppressive regime, an estimated 3.5 million people defected to West Berlin before the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961.
Khrushchev viewed this exodus as a direct threat to the stability of East Germany and the Eastern Bloc. In June 1958, he issued an ultimatum to the USA demanding that Western forces withdraw from Berlin, further escalating the confrontation. The Western powers, particularly the USA, responded with military build-ups and propaganda efforts to showcase the 'superior' lifestyle in the West.
Ultimately, the refugee crisis exemplified the human element of Cold War tensions, illustrating the ideological battle between capitalism and communism, and contributing to the eventual division of Berlin.