The Potsdam Conference, 1945

 

COUNTRY POSITIONS 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: The post-war U.S.A was in a better position economically than any other country at  the time. This economic base allowed the American society to prosper enormously. The country was surprisingly in a  better place than before or during the war. The United States wanted to treat Germany with leniency. It did not want to  repeat the mistakes of the Treaty of Versailles, which led the popularity of the Nazis and WWII. Also, Trumann did not  intend to negotiate the same way as his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, did in the Yalta conference. Roosevelt was  very willing to compromise, whereas Truman´s approach was very different. He was very determined to succeed in his  demands and keep firm the American position. Truman was angry with the Soviet Union for its arrest of the non communist leaders of Poland. America and Britain were alarmed because the communists were coming to power in  several countries in Eastern Europe. While the Americans wanted to recognize the USSR’s desire of power and land, so  they tried to use the news of the atomic bomb (Trinity Test) to try and show themselves as a country that should be feared  and followed. When Truman told Stalin about the atomic bomb (a fact he already knew), he was trying to make his  country look more powerful at Potsdam. There was diplomatic battle to maintain and increase the reputation of each  country after the war. However, the war in the Pacific had to be won. The United States wanted the Soviet Union to  declare war on Japan. The Americans also understood that, if war could not be stopped, many in Japan were prepared to  fight to the bitter end, and the losses on both sides would be tremendous should landings on the home islands become  necessary. Understanding this about Japan, at Potsdam Truman made sure that Stalin would hold true to his promise that  Russia would declare war on Japan three months after the surrender of Germany despite the news of the successful test  atomic explosion; Truman was keeping his options open. 

The Soviet Union (U.S.S.R): The Soviet Union´s economy had suffered considerably in World War II. Their resources  were heavily depleted and their industrial and agricultural output had diminished considerably. However, by 1945 the Red  Army was in control of a considerable territory, which included Poland, the Baltic States, Northern Iran, Northern  Norway, Eastern Germany, Austria, Manchuria, Korea, and the Kuril Islands. Despite the amount of land under Soviet  control, important parts of the country were in ruins. At least 25 million Soviet deaths were recorded, or about 13% of the  civilian population. One third of the national wealth was completely destroyed, and the industries that remained had been  trying desperately to meet the economics demands of the country. But having won the war was a great boost to the Soviet  moral, and the U.S.S.R. considered itself a great power. The USSR’s focus was on making sure Germany would never be  a country that could wage war or menace them. They wanted to spread communism to Germany, and that made Truman  fearful. When Germany was divided into four parts, Stalin knew he had most of the Eastern European countries in his  sphere of influence. One of Stalin´s main aims was to get as much financial support from the reparations as he could,  given that the U.S.S.R was ruined economically. The Soviets wanted a united but disarmed Germany, with each of the  Allied powers uniting to determine the destiny of the defeated power. Stalin was looking to gain more influence in the  United Nations after the war. For instance, he hoped to have control over 3 seats in the Security Council, which was the  amount given to the combined U.K, U.S.A and France. Stalin knew that he had a huge amount of influence during the  conference because of the Red Army’s position in Europe and he was willing to use it to his advantage. By this time, the  USSR had almost half of the European territories under Soviet influence. This fact made Joseph Stalin, stay very  confident at the Yalta conference and this confidence remained during Potsdam. The main justification for maintaining a  strong military presence in these countries was to maintain order and help rebuild nations which would conserve an  attitude of collaboration with the Soviet communist ideology. Stalin desired a buffer zone around the western border of  the Soviet Union as it was perceived that this would prevent future invasions of the motherland. The United States  wanted to be recognized, one way or another, as the biggest of the Big Three. It also wanted leniency, as it did not want to  repeat the mistakes of the Treaty of Versailles demanding too many indemnities of Germany, as they believed that is what  made the Nazis so popular, thus leading to WWII. 

UNITED KINGDOM: During World War II, the United Kingdom´s imperial power had begun to crumble at an increased  rate, due to the British defeats all over Europe and Asia between 1940 and 1942, and an elevated sense of empowerment  in the colonies, who contributed substantial amounts of men and material to the war effort. Government aid in  reconstruction was seen as essential, which led to increasingly socialist government policies. The war not only heavily  damaged the U.K. financially, reducing its economic independence, but also ended the old balance of power on which  Britain had always depended on. By the end of the war, the U.K had recovered most of the territory that it had lost to 

Japan; regardless, their once great authority and respect seemed largely reduced. The U.K hoped to salvage its  diminishing authority and economical status. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who was running in the British  general elections, do not want communism to expand any further, and he is mostly supporting Truman in this conference  because of his political ideals and because of the democratic influence that he could bring to Europe. Churchill was still  present at the beginning of Potsdam; however, Clement Atlee took over him during the conference. Atlee had a very  pacific view towards the conference and hoped to remain neutral when it came deciding between the US and the USSR.  However, the U.K followed the USA’s goals regarding the future of Germany, Eastern Europe, and the war with Japan,  but not as blind sheep. Some in Great Britain feared Soviet influence on the rest of Europe which had been rapidly  growing in the past, spreading communism, which was the least of Britain´s desires. The U.K hoped to salvage its  diminishing authority and economical status.²  

On 26 July, the following agreements were reached: 

• Reversion of all German annexations in Europe after 1937 and separation of Austria from Germany. • Statement of aims of the occupation of Germany by the Allies: demilitarization, denazification,  democratization and decartelization.  

• The Potsdam Agreement, which called for the division of Germany and Austria into four occupation  zones (agreed on earlier at the Yalta Conference), and the similar division of Berlin and Vienna into four  zones. 

• Agreement on prosecution of Nazi war criminals. 

• The establishment of the Oder-Neisse line as the provisional border between Germany and Poland.  

• The expulsion of the German populations remaining outside the borders of Germany.  • Agreement on war reparations. The Allies estimated their losses and damages at 200 billion dollars. On  insistence of the West, Germany was obliged to pay off only 20 billion in German property, current  industry products, and work force (However, the Cold War prevented the full payment).  • It promised "prompt and utter destruction" unless Japan forever renounced militarism, gave up the war  criminals, return all conquered territories since 1895, and surrendered unconditionally.  

Participants 

USSR: Joseph Stalin, Viacheslav Molotov, Andrei Gromyko, Georgy Aleksandrov, Georgy Malenkov, Nikita  Khrushchev, Georgy Zhukov  

USA: Harry S. Truman (chair), William D. James F. Byrnes, Joseph E. Davies, Harry H. Vaughan, George  Marshall, Dean Acheson, Charles (Chip) Bohlen, Henry Stimson  

UK: Winston Churchill, Ernest Bevin, Arthur Greenwood, Hugh Dalton, James Chuter Ede, Clement Attlee,  Lord Woolton, Louis Mountbatten  

 

Position Paper Guidelines  

Introduction 

The position paper is a brief and concise description of a nation’s position and priorities. The position paper allows  delegations to plan their course of action before the meeting by taking into account the other countries’ positions outlined  in the position paper.  

Please pay careful attention to the following guidelines when drafting your position paper.  

Identification 

It is crucial to properly identify your position paper. You will be known throughout the conference by your delegate’s  name rather than your own. 

Topics 

Your position paper closely follows the different topics as they are presented in the Conference.  • The first sentence of a position paper uses the following formula: "The issues before (your delegation’s name) are:  (list all the issues you are discussing in your position paper)". 

• Number the topics and write their titles in bold. 

• Each delegate will write on two topics. Delegations will meet to ensure that all topics are covered. Content 

The paragraphs on each topic should contain the following elements: 

• A general sentence in the beginning clearly stating your country's position.  

• A succinct policy statement for each topic representing the relevant views of your assigned delegation.  • An elaboration of your position. (you should draw from one or more of the following: agreements/resolutions  your country has ratified; quotes from statements made by your head of state, head of government, ministers, and  any other relevant international documents) 

• References to your country’s past experiences with the topic – if applicable 

• Recommendations for actions to be taken by the committee 

• A conclusion restating your country’s position on the topic

• Please cite any relevant statistics, quotes etc. (in any widely accepted scholarly citation format) Don’ts  

• Do NOT use the first person in your position paper. Instead simply use your delegate's name or alternatively  expressions such as "our government", "our country", "our nation". 

• Long essay type position papers presenting a nation's history or background information on the topic are not  useful. A simple and concise overview is best. 

Writing Instructions 

• Length: Position papers must be a MINIMUM of THREE PAGES. (Font: Times-New Roman, Size: 12 – Double  Spaced), Normal 1 inch margins.  

• An annotated bibliography will include a minimum of four sources.  

• There should be a minimum of four citations (footnotes) from at least three of your sources. Footnotes are single  spaced, #10 Times-New Roman font.  

• Sources will consist primarily of Primary Documents (at least one), historical works, scholarly journals (see J Stor), the Textbook. You may use one on-line encyclopedia like Britannica. NO WIKIPEDIA.  • Due dates for each stage will be set in advance. 

o Annotated bibliography Due:  

o Draft Due:  

o Final Paper Due:  

o Simulation Date: 

Simulation 

During the week of _____, students will participate in a simulation of the Potsdam Conference between the United States,  the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. Students will be cast into the following roles: 

Delegates: 

• In order to prepare for your part, you must research your country’s position on the issues discussed and have a  general understanding of your country’s history to that point.  

• Prepare an outline of relevant material. Use the outline to speak from rather than reading straight off of a scripted  sheet. A Copy of the outline must be submitted at the end of the simulation. Remember that you will need to  anticipate questions from other voting blocks.  

• No technology will be allowed during the simulation.  

• You must have a sign with your name that is visible to all and contains some type of quote that relates a key point  of your character. You will be asked to introduce yourself at the beginning of the simulation.  • Stay in first person 

• You don’t have to dress up in character, but those who do will receive special consideration in their grade.  • Take notes during the simulation; you may need to refer back to them;  

• Remember, you do not have to stick with the candidate of historical record, in this case the President or Prime  Minister. You may base your decision on how favorable their views are to your candidate, on their overall  demonstration of knowledge or particularly lack thereof, how believable the candidate is.  

• Voting blocs may give impromptu speeches if so desired during the question and answering period  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions of clarity. If you don’t understand the point of the delegates then ask.  • This is primarily an oral assignment, so make some good comments and work on resolutions with your  colleagues.  

Chairpersons: 

• Chairpersons will set the agenda. In this simulation, President Truman will chair.  

• Chairpersons will also create a crisis, which they will pledge to keep secret until the day of the simulation.  Additional:  

• If you cannot fulfill the role that you are given then let me know prior to the hearing. 

• If you end up as a delegate being absent for the day then please hand in a press release (3 pages double spaced  times-new roman) discussing your nation’s position regarding the topics discussed. 

Parliamentary Procedure 

Points: 

Point of Inquiry/Information: Ask a question to the dais about a fact or a circumstance that is not generally  well known. 

Point of Personal Privilege: Used to excuse a person to use the restroom or water fountain. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: Ask a question to the dais about the recent events of the committee Point of Order: Used if the dais has committed a procedural error. 

Motions: 

Set Topic/Agenda: “Motion to set the topic/agenda to _________” 

Move to Moderated Caucus*: “Motion to move to a moderated caucus with __________ speaking time lasting  ___________ minutes” 

Move to Un-moderated Caucus*: “Motion to move to an Un-moderated caucus with __________ speaking  time lasting ___________ minutes” 

Move to Open/Close a Speakers List*: “Motion to open/close the Speaker’s List” 

Motion to Table a Topic: “Motion to table the topic” 

Motion to Vote: “Motion to move to the previous question”/”Motion to go into voting procedures” 

Motion to Introduce a Working Paper: This motion brings a working paper that has already been approved  by the Chair with the appropriate number of signatories to the floor for general debate. 

*Set Speaking time and overall time allotted when motioning 

**Simple Majority is needed to pass a motion