Available online
Description
This programme explains the conflict of interests that divided the Allies during their discussions at Potsdam after the Second World War.
This programme explains the conflict of interests that divided the Allies during their discussions at Potsdam after the Second World War.
| Module code and title: | D233, World politics |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D233; 01 |
| First transmission date: | 03-03-1981 |
| Published: | 1981 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:30 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Carol Haslam |
| Contributors: | F. S. Northedge; Richard Little; Charles Mee; Con O'Neill; Gav Alperovitz; W. Averell Harriman; German Rosanov; Daniel Yergin |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Cold War; Diplomacy; Politics; World War |
| Footage description: | Archive shots of the surrender of the German forces, 8th May 1945. Shots of ruined buildings and factories. Professor Northedge discusses the theme of the programme, that the Great Powers have the capacity to determine the future of other members of the international system. Shots of Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt at Teheran and Yalta. Shots of the conference at Potsdam. Shots of Harry Truman, Stalin and Churchill. Richard Little describes the tensions that existed between the three leaders. Maps show how Germany had altered its boundaries since 1871 and the position it was in at the end of the war. Professor Northedge argues that Germany's statehood had disappeared. Her future was determined by the often conflicting interests of the Great Powers. There then follows a reconstruction of a discussion at Potsdam between Churchill, Truman and Stalin. In this discussion the protagonists argue about what is meant by the term Germany. Truman proposes that this should mean the Germany of 1937. Stalin argues that this should be amended to read 'minus what she lost in 1945. He finally accepts the 1937 border as a starting point. Professor Northedge explains the reasons for this conflict of interests. Charles Mee argues that although the Americans and the Soviets both wanted a united Germany, they had conflicting economic interests. The U.S. wanted an economically strong Germany; the USSR was more interested in obtaining reparations. Sir Con O'Neill, former Foreign Office official, argues that the Allies each had different ideas about the future borders and strength of Germany. Petrov argues that the Soviet Union wanted a united Germany, controlled and supervised by the victorious powers, in order to prevent its possible resurgence. Professor Gav Alperovitz explains the American position. Economic growth and stability would lead to peace in Europe. It was essential then to have a strong Germany. Professor Northedge describes Stalin's proposals for the future borders of Poland and Germany. W Averell Harriman, former U.S. ambassador to Moscow, argues that Stalin wanted to control Poland because it had been the invasion route of the West into Russia. Professor German Rosanov, Soviet spokesman, argues that Russia has always favoured a strong, independent Poland. Churchill however wanted a Poland hostile to the Soviet Union. The democratic government established in Poland favoured the Soviet Union. Professor Northedge argues that the Soviet approach to Poland increased fears in the U.S. and British delegates that the USSR was out to dominate Eastern Europe. Part of the dramatised discussion is repeated to highlight the conflict present in the negotiations. Professor Daniel Yergin argues that it was conflict over the division of Germany which led to the Cold War. The U.S. decided to make their own arrangements with the French and British to create Western Germany. Professor Northedge sums up. Archive shots of Red Army. |
| Master spool number: | OU3674 |
| Production number: | FOUD142A |
| Videofinder number: | 113 |
| Available to public: | no |
