The Second World War was one of the most challenging periods humanity has ever faced. The world was plagued by death and destruction caused by feuding countries in a war of power. During the war, the United States of America and the Soviet Union played a great role. Their military forces helped bring down Nazi Germany and recovered what was left of Europe. But issues ensued during these trying times that caused these wartime allies turn on each other and become enemies during the Cold War. What were these problems?
The first major problem that drove these two great countries apart developed during the Yalta Conference on February 6th, 1945. During this conference, the “Big Three” alliance (the United States, the Soviet Union and the United …show more content…
Shortly after becoming Vice-President of the United States, Harry Truman was thrown into presidency without any real experience. He lacked ability in foreign affairs. His internationalism came from his military experience; he often blamed international conflict on ‘totalitarians’. It is said that Truman never had any briefing and “scarcely saw President Roosevelt” . As 33rd President of the United States and as he succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt, he now had to manage the United States’ alliance with the Soviet Union. As Roosevelt and Stalin had a “healthy” relationship, Truman’s attitude towards dealing with the Soviets was problematic. Truman stated in a conversation with a Soviet Ambassador that: “he {Truman} intended to be firm with the Russians and make no concessions from American principles or traditions for the fact of winning their favor” . Truman also added that he “felt our agreements with the Soviet Union so far had been a one way street {favoured the Soviets} and that could not continue” . Truman’s hostility towards the Soviets, due to his service during previous wars and personal values, weakened the bond between his fellow political leaders, especially with Joseph …show more content…
The inability for the two leaders of these opposing countries to put their trust in each other puts another strain on their relationship. At this point in time, the Americans have successfully tested an atomic bomb. In Truman’s diary he writes: “We have discovered the most terrible bomb in the world… it is certainly a good thing for the world that Hitler’s crowd or Stalin’s did not discover this atomic bomb. It seems to be the most terrible thing ever discovered, but it can be made the most useful” . All the while the Americans are testing their atomic bomb; Stalin is discussing his own thoughts on the matter: “Truman is exerting pressure, to dominate… His attitude is particularly aggressive toward the Soviet Union. But a policy of blackmail and intimidation is unacceptable to us. Tell Comrade {Igor} Kurchatov that he has to hurry with his parcel {the Soviet bomb project}” . The apparent problem here is that both countries do not trust each
The first major problem that drove these two great countries apart developed during the Yalta Conference on February 6th, 1945. During this conference, the “Big Three” alliance (the United States, the Soviet Union and the United …show more content…
Shortly after becoming Vice-President of the United States, Harry Truman was thrown into presidency without any real experience. He lacked ability in foreign affairs. His internationalism came from his military experience; he often blamed international conflict on ‘totalitarians’. It is said that Truman never had any briefing and “scarcely saw President Roosevelt” . As 33rd President of the United States and as he succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt, he now had to manage the United States’ alliance with the Soviet Union. As Roosevelt and Stalin had a “healthy” relationship, Truman’s attitude towards dealing with the Soviets was problematic. Truman stated in a conversation with a Soviet Ambassador that: “he {Truman} intended to be firm with the Russians and make no concessions from American principles or traditions for the fact of winning their favor” . Truman also added that he “felt our agreements with the Soviet Union so far had been a one way street {favoured the Soviets} and that could not continue” . Truman’s hostility towards the Soviets, due to his service during previous wars and personal values, weakened the bond between his fellow political leaders, especially with Joseph …show more content…
The inability for the two leaders of these opposing countries to put their trust in each other puts another strain on their relationship. At this point in time, the Americans have successfully tested an atomic bomb. In Truman’s diary he writes: “We have discovered the most terrible bomb in the world… it is certainly a good thing for the world that Hitler’s crowd or Stalin’s did not discover this atomic bomb. It seems to be the most terrible thing ever discovered, but it can be made the most useful” . All the while the Americans are testing their atomic bomb; Stalin is discussing his own thoughts on the matter: “Truman is exerting pressure, to dominate… His attitude is particularly aggressive toward the Soviet Union. But a policy of blackmail and intimidation is unacceptable to us. Tell Comrade {Igor} Kurchatov that he has to hurry with his parcel {the Soviet bomb project}” . The apparent problem here is that both countries do not trust each