Causes of tension between the USA and USSR by 1945
I can explain why there was tension and disagreement between the USA and the USSR at the end of the Second World War.
Causes of tension between the USA and USSR by 1945
I can explain why there was tension and disagreement between the USA and the USSR at the end of the Second World War.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Grand Alliance put aside their differences during the Second World War to defeat their common enemy, Nazi Germany.
- Tensions emerged amongst the Grand Alliance because of different ideologies and priorities.
- Important agreements were made at the Tehran Conference and the Yalta Conference about the post-war world.
- Tensions increased at the Potsdam Conference for a range of reasons including a change in US President.
- The Soviet occupation of eastern Europe remained a source of significant tension between the USA and USSR.
Keywords
Cold War - a period between c. 1945 and c. 1991 of intense rivalry and tension between the USA and the USSR
USSR - a collection of states known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; also known as the Soviet Union
Ideologies - sets of beliefs and ideas
Communist - relating to a system of government where all property is owned by the state and resources are shared equally
Capitalist - relating to an economic system where businesses and resources are owned privately for profit
Common misconception
There was only significant tension between members of the Grand Alliance at the Potsdam Conference when the war had ended and Roosevelt had been replaced by Truman as US President.
Although tensions increased significantly by the Potsdam Conference, there was a high level of mistrust between the members of the Grand Alliance from early on. This is illustrated by Stalin's concern about the delays in opening a second front.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Causes of tension between the USA and USSR by 1945, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Causes of tension between the USA and USSR by 1945, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the The origins of the Cold War, 1941-58 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Franklin Roosevelt
Winston Churchill
Joseph Stalin
Adolf Hitler