Tensions within the wartime alliance

Causes - Tensions in the Wartime Alliance

Introduction

The Cold War, which endured for nearly half a century, was marked by the division of the world into the Eastern Bloc, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western Bloc, led by the USA. While they were officially allies during World War Two, tensions and disagreements between these two superpowers during the war set the stage for the Cold War.

Entry into World War Two

At the outset of World War Two in 1939, both the USA and the USSR remained uninvolved. However, circumstances led them to join the conflict in 1941. The USSR entered the war after Germany invaded in June, while the USA joined following the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in December.

Wartime Allies

Throughout their involvement in the war, the USA and USSR officially fought on the same side as allies. However, this alliance concealed deep-seated disagreements between the two.

Disagreements over the Second Front

A significant point of contention was the timing of a Second Front in western Europe to ease pressure on the Eastern Front. The Eastern Front witnessed brutal battles, including the catastrophic Battle of Stalingrad, where millions of Soviet soldiers perished. The Soviets repeatedly called for an invasion of France and Belgium to divide German forces and provide relief to the USSR, but this only materialized with the D-Day landings in June 1944.

Stalin's Suspicions

The delay in launching the Second Front fueled suspicions in the Soviet leadership, particularly Stalin, that the USA and UK wanted Germany and the USSR to weaken each other, possibly leading to the Cold War.

Katyn Massacre and Lack of Action

In 1943, the Katyn Massacre, where the USSR executed 22,000 Poles, including military leaders, was revealed. The USA and UK publicized the massacre but took no action against the Soviet Union, despite evidence of their involvement.

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Tensions within the wartime alliance

Breakdown of Trust

The USSR's brutal actions eroded trust, as the USA no longer needed Soviet assistance to defeat Germany once the war ended.

Warsaw Uprising and Soviet Non-Intervention

In 1944, an uprising against the Nazis erupted in Warsaw. The USA and UK supported the resistance with an airlift of supplies, but the USSR refrained from sending forces or allowing the use of Soviet airports for the airlift. This led to suspicions that the USSR planned to exert control over Poland after the war, creating tensions.

Post-War Planning

As the war's end became imminent, the "Big Three" (USA, USSR, UK) started planning for the post-war world. Meetings in Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam highlighted significant differences, particularly regarding Poland and Germany.

Poland's Fate

The USSR sought control of Poland, viewing it as a buffer zone to prevent future invasions by Germany. In contrast, the USA and UK advocated for a free Poland with democratic elections.

Disagreements in Post-War Europe

The disagreements over post-war Europe exposed the stark ideological differences between the USA and the USSR. The Soviets felt their wartime sacrifices were disregarded if they didn't secure a "buffer zone."

Conclusion

While these tensions and disagreements during WWII played a role in setting the stage for the Cold War, it's important to note that both sides did ultimately reach agreements at the Potsdam meeting. This suggests that