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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 1945, was crucial in shaping the early Cold War dynamics. With a change in US leadership, Truman replaced Roosevelt and took a firmer stance against the Soviet Union. This shift led to intensified distrust, particularly around the future of Eastern Europe. The Conference established the boundaries and governance of post-war Europe, creating a foundation for future tensions, notably with disagreements on Germany's reparations and governance. The USA's emergence as a nuclear power at the Conference further heightened Soviet fears, setting the stage for prolonged Cold War hostilities.
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 escalated tensions significantly between East and West. As East Germans fled West for better opportunities, the Soviet-backed regime grew increasingly anxious about losing its populace, leading to heightened security measures, including the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. This migration underscored the ideological battle, as Western propaganda portrayed East Germany as oppressive. The refugee issue thus became a symbol of Cold War divisions, impacting diplomatic relations and military strategies on both sides.