HIST-H 106 Lecture 1: Ch. 28-29 Notes (April 3)
Document Summary
Chapter 28- the onset of the cold war. Contrasts represented in leaders: truman- believed in innate american goodness, stalin- hard-headed realist determined to protect wwii conquests. War reparations- payments (money, goods rather than land annexations) intended to cover damage/injury inflicted during war. Potsdam conference- meeting between churchill/truman/stalin: clashed over 3 issues. Us feared they would have to aid defeated germany. Compromise- each side took reparations from occupation zones (foreshadowed division of. Council of foreign ministers met 1945- us/r diplomats met: the division of europe. Each side intent on imposing its values in areas liberated by its military. Us/uk liberated w europe (insisted each country should freely choose leaders; su knew elected gov"ts would be unfriendly; suspected amer deceit) Stalin brought down iron curtain (churchill"s phrase)- germany divided into 4 sections. Us/uk ignored postdam conference- refused to let su take reparations from w zones. Unified zones, wanted to reunite all of germany.
