The United States and Soviet Union Relations:

The Second World War

Tuan Dao, Tyler Fox, Mia Pilaski, and William Day

AMH 2020

Group Research Paper

Dr. Nancy J. Duke

April 28, 2023

 Pre-War War II

The United States and Russia, formerly known as the Soviet Union, have a highly rooted history dating back to

1780. During this time, one of the representatives of the United States was Francis Dana. The U.S. appointed

him as a minister and sent him to Russia. The Russians were very skeptical of the U.S. at its inception due to

fears of becoming trade rivals. As proof of this, the Russians never entirely accepted Dana, and he lived for two

years as a mere private citizen spreading the values of America to reduce these fears. 

Russia was thoroughly interested in America's pacific northwest then, and the trade remained peaceful

between the U.S. and Russia. So peaceful that Tsar Paul created the Russian American Company in 1799. This

company helped establish fur trading in the pacific northwest through outposts established by Aleksandr

Baranov in 1790. 

Moving forward, in 1807, the first official diplomatic action was taken between the two countries as

they both agreed to send a minister that each country would recognize. John Quincy Adams became the first

U.S. minister sent to Russia, and Fedor Pahlen became the first Russian minister sent to the United States. The

first Russian colony was set up at Fort Ross in 1812 through instructions from Russian America Company

stockholders. The Russians eventually tried multiple attempts to mediate relations (although selfishly to protect

themselves from France) between the U.S. and Britain. While these attempts at mediation failed, the Treaty of

Ghent was signed in 1815. Russia was eventually called upon in 1820 to mediate disagreements in the treaty's

provisions between the U.S. and Britain.

The first acts of disagreement between the two countries were the Ukaz and The Monroe Doctrine. The

Ukaz, established in 1821, was an edict that essentially tried to create a Russian monopoly on the Pacific

Northwest trade and set up a larger Russian American Company territory. However, this was heavily protested

by Americans in the trading industry. The Monroe Doctrine demanded that Europeans stay out of Western

Hemisphere affairs and refrain from colonization in this area. At the Convention of 1824, Americans Urged the

Russians to abandon the 1821 Ukaz and reopen Pacific ports for trade and travel. At the Convention, it was also
discussed that Russian territory was recognized by the U.S. North of 54’ 40’ Latitude. This Convention was

ratified in 1825 and became the first Treaty between the U.S. and Russia. 

In 1832 another Treaty, Russian America Commercial, was created, formalizing practices already in

place between the two countries. In 1841, the sale of Fort Ross was agreed to for 30,000 dollars to John Sutter.

This was monumental as many precious metals on this land ended up in American control rather than Russian

control just before the Gold Rush. 

The American Russian Commercial Company was established in 1853. This company was vital to the

Crimean War (a fight for control of a weakening Ottoman empire) efforts. It allowed the Russians to sail under

U.S. neutrality and allowed the U.S. to continue trading with and supplying the Russians. This was a part of the

brokering done by American Russian Commercial Company president Beverly Sanders. Sanders, in the deal,

gained Americans a monopoly over the marketing of the company's products, including all of the pacific

northwest commodities such as ice, coal, fish, and lumber. 

During this time, the U.S. (as Russia did before them) tried to broker peace between France, Britain, and

Russia, to no avail. 1854 was a hectic year between the two countries as Theo Cottman spoke with high-ranking

officials in St. Peterburg. Following this visit, there were talks of the sale of Alaska to the U.S. in the press.

America also sent Humanitarian relief to Russians on the Crimean War front following the reports of Theo

Cottman about war conditions. The Europeans eventually settled the Crimean War in 1856 without the help of

the U.S. through the Treaty of Paris.

 In 1857 New York shipyards began building Russian ships, much to the joy of Americans and Russians.

The largest vessel ever made in America at the time was a Russian ship named the Great Admiral. The first

discussions of Russia ceding Russian America Company territories began in 1860. However, the civil war and

St. Petersburg resistance delayed this process. In 1861, Abolitionists were moved as Russia agreed to free their

citizens from serfdom. This did not inspire the Americans as they descended into the Civil War. 
 Russian Minister Eduard Stoekel encouraged mediation between Abraham Lincoln and the seceded

southern states. However, Lincoln’s secretary of state, William H. Seward, refused the negotiations. The

Russians formally sided with the Union during the Civil War and urged the unification of the states. Most of

Europe supported unification, although the British and French endorsed the confederacy. Lincoln’s

Emancipation Proclamation proved a stronger case than any side’s mediation efforts. In 1865 a formal

agreement was reached for an overland telegraphic connection between Siberia, the pacific northwest, and

Alaska. 

The cable brought by Atlantic Cable began successful efforts in 1867, leaving Western Union to trash its

efforts. In 1867, The Purchase of Alaska was secured at a whopping 7.2 million dollars, thirteen years after

Theo Cottman first made whispers appear about a potential sale. This allowed Americans to access Alaska’s

resources and better access to possible Asian trade routes. Russia was entirely on board with the sale as the

pacific northwest trade had become too expensive for their liking.

 In 1869, reports started circling about the treatment of Jews in Russia, much to the disdain of

Americans, including Eugene Schuyler, the U.S. consul at Revul, who publicly criticized these acts. After a

memorandum to the Department of State in the U.S. by Schulyer, Russian Jews began emigrating, with the

1871 Easter week Pogroms cracking down on the Jewish communities in Russia. 

In 1877 Grand Duke Alexis, the third son of Tsar Alexander II, made a second trip to the United States.

While the first trip was a joyous visit full of great experiences and friendliness, the second was for security

during an armed conflict in the Balkans. 

In 1881, Tsar Alexander II was assassinated by members of a radical socialist movement. This caused

Alexander III to become much less reform-minded, and while the public press expressed condolences towards

the assassination, many Americans were concerned about the growing autocratic Russian tendencies.

 In 1893, Congress approved the U.S.-Russian Extradition Treaty; this angered many Americans on the

basis that it threatened political refugees that were in the U.S. Throughout this year, the struggles for Jews in
Russia continued as Russians refused to grant visas to American Jews despite official and unofficial backlash

from the U.S. 

During the Russian Revolution, many Russian Jews followed their Russian relatives and friends to the

United States to seek refuge from the impending violence from both sides. The U.S. took a breath of relief when

Nicholas II took over after his father's death due to his familiarity with and adoration for America. Following

the Kishinev Pogroms (a violent attack killing dozen of Jews and injuring hundreds) in 1903, President Teddy

Roosevelt finally relayed his protest to Russia. Russia then crept closer to Manchuria despite objections from

other nations. Japan had enough and attacked the Russian fleet. This did not force America's hand in war but

raised an eye to contain Russian influence over the far east. 

Context

U.S.S.R Logistics Post WW1 - Why the Soviets needed help. 

The Soviets based much of their economy on interwoven railways and naval ports as their

the primary type of logistics. As a result, the Soviets did not have a critical need for commercial freight

dynamic moved throughout an area of operation. Furthermore, World War I had a very rigid logistic path to the

front line. It was apparent and concise. Generals would often track the whole army’s movement in feet per day.

World War II was the polar opposite, with advancements in technology such as LMG’s Stokes Mortars, reliable

combustion engines, and Axis mentality, where the Axis generals would be tracking miles per day on the gained

territory. This aggressive shift in how the army maneuvers into and on areas of operations caused a dramatic

change in how logistics needed to keep pace with advancing infantry and armor. 

American Aid to the Soviet Union

Studebaker US6 (C630)

The Studebaker, a car company in Detroit, MI, was relocated to support the war effort. As a car

company, the tooling must change to military trucks to a minimum. Most senior leadership was well-skilled in

quality management of high-production automotive equipment. The US6 became a perfect match for the

Soviets' need for medium-class off or on-road freight trucks. The US6 is a 2.2-ton 6x6 truck or a 5-ton 6x4
frame and axles that use a modular bed from a cargo, medical, or used fire support truck. The US6 had the

powertrain outsourced to Hercules, a company out of Canton, Ohio. Hercules came up with three hundred and

twenty cubic inch gasoline and an inline six making a massive eighty-six horsepower at two thousand three

hundred R.P.M. The engineers at Hercules decompressed the cylinders 5.82:1 to take sixty-eight octanes, the

substandard fuel. 

The truck overall did very well in the eastern front, even with the freezing winters and the muddy

springs and fall. However, for the Soviet Union, this was a standard octane, especially when it came to storage. 

Also, it has a lower octane rating making it more reliable in hash conditions. The engine's basic design made it

easier for any Red Army trooper to diagnose any problems that arose without a manual. The Reds nicknamed

the “Studebaker,” the modular design of the bed had the US6 fulfill many different roles in the eastern front.

US6 would be the workhorse moving artillery pieces from placement to placement. It was also used to carry

small arms, mortar, food, gear, and water from railway stations to wherever the front was located. After the

supplies were dropped off, wounded or killed troops could be loaded in the back.

Another critical role that US6 played on the Eastern Front was fire support. The Soviets had designed a

Katyusha rocket system. This rocket system was mounted on the back of US6 set on linear racks angled for

indirect firing.  The rockets were highly effective against the German war machine. The rocket system was

more favorable than conventional artillery pieces since they could be self-loaded by unskilled drivers and be

trail-advancing infantry. The US6 trucks were a pivotal part of the Red Army war machine and would be a

completely different outcome of the war if they did not make it to the U.S.S.R. in the winter of 1943.

Tripartite Act

The Tripartite Pact was an agreement between Germany and Japan that occurred one year after World

War II.  This was detrimental to the United States entering the conflict when the Japanese surprise attacked

Pearl Harbor. The United States declared war on Japan, and Germany fulfilled the promises of the Tripartite

Pact to declare war on the United States on December 7, 1941. The United States had a more present threat of

Japan in the Pacific. It did not start assisting in direct military involvement until May 11, 1942, with an invasion

of North Africa as the war pressed on as the Allies crushed the German armies in the North African campaign.
They pushed through Italy, where they soon got bogged down by mountain terrain, and they fixed gun

emplacements: Roosevelt and the need to bring the three Superpowers together to see the next steps. 

World War II Aircraft 

World War II warfare differed from combat tactics used during previous wars, such as WWI. Aviation

became an essential part of modern warfare. As countries struggled to gain dominance during the war, they

were forced to intensify their innovative techniques to help improve their aircraft fleets (Hodgson, 2005). Speed

and power became essential considerations in developing aircraft used during the war. Countries like the United

States were central in developing new, advanced aircraft systems capable of carrying fighters and launching

attacks on enemies. World War II was fought and won in the air. Aviation became advanced that it ultimately

became the defining factor in the war. Fleets of thousands of bombers and fighter jets were developed and

zoomed across the skies, striking massive destruction on the target enemy (Ambrose, 2001). In WWII, different

aircraft types were designed to help advance the war and cripple the enemy.

The United States and the Soviet Union both scrambled to produce some of the most advanced aircraft

that could showcase their military power. Aircraft of all shapes and sizes played an essential role in the War.

When the war broke out in Europe, major world powers scrambled to produce some of the most advanced

aircraft. The United States Military alone expanded from 2,500 aircraft to about 300,000 aircraft by the end of

WWII (Maser et al., 2023). During the war, many factories were redirected to produce aircraft and their

components. The United States made considerable efforts to produce enough aircraft and other war supplies.

The production of consumer goods was stalled as many factories redirected their efforts toward producing

aircraft and their components. The following section provides a highlight of some of the aircraft that were used

during this war.

Fighters and Interceptors 

This was a light, piston-powered single-engine fighter monoplane. It was highly used in

World War II to conduct dogfights. The fighters and interceptor planes were fast, highly
maneuverable, and versatile to help complete different tasks during World War II. The most common fighter

planes used during WWII include the North American P-51 Mustang, Vought F4 Corsair, Lockheed P-38

Lightning, and the Grumman F6 Hellcat. The North

American P-51 Mustang is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and highly used aircraft during

WWII. It was a small sing-engine fighter jet powered by a 1,695 horsepower V-12 engine with a flight speed of

500 mph (Maser et al., 2023). The fighter jet had 6.50 caliber machine guns and a bomb rack that could carry an

external fuel tank. It was used for multi-role

missions and demonstrated the power of fighter jets during WWII. 

Heavy Bombers 

Heavy bombers also played a critical role in WWII as they dropped many ammunition on the target

enemy. During WWII, aircraft manufacturers who had been

primarily involved in developing airliners and transport-category aircraft were engaged in making heavy

bombers. These aircraft were built on large, multi-engine airframes capable of

carrying heavy tons of bombs.

The primary heavy bomber aircraft used by both the United States and the Soviet Union

during World War II was the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Tupolev Tu-4. The U.S. Army Air

Forces (USAAF) first put the four-engine, propeller-driven B-17 into operation in 1941 as a

strategic bombing plane to target industrial sites deep within the enemy territory from high

altitudes beyond most conventional fighter plane threats at that time, allowing for precision

bombing with fewer losses than other types of airplanes could achieve.

Meanwhile, although initially designed as an exact copy of their American counterparts

due to captured blueprints in 1939 during Operation Barbarossa, modifications made to some

Stalinist designs such as additional armor plating around fuel tanks or improved engines

significantly helped improve them later (Hodgson, 2005). This resulted in even more

durability against adversaries’ air defenses while also carrying heavier payloads over long
distances compared to British bombers like Lancasters’ and Stirlings’ models previously employed before its

introduction across much wider territories taken under control by Germany during WWII. Areas such as Poland,

where it was reportedly demonstrated successively when mercilessly taking out targets located deep inside

German lines amongst many others throughout, proved its level of precision in Western Europe until Allied

forces eventually reestablished dominance again through combined aerial offensive support given off newly

modified Russian planes along with an Anglo-American fleet.

The Soviet Union used the Tu-4 during World War II as well to bomb German

Military sites and industrial centers, with a reported 2600 bombers being produced throughout its

operational period. It is said that the bomber had heavy armor plating for protection against anti-

aircraft fire, which proved very effective at protecting it from damage despite intense barrages of

enemy fire coming from multiple directions at once; allowing them to remain relatively

undamaged even when most other craft would have been destroyed much quicker due largely

this design feature (Koistinen, 2004). Furthermore, upon combining unyielding resilience

alongside powerful engines providing necessary thrust combined with their bombing capability

they were able to wreak havoc amidst Axis forces in the sky alike.

Transport Aircraft 

The United States primarily used the Douglas C-47 Skytrain for transporting aircraft

during WWII. The C-47 was a military adaptation of the DC 3 and served many purposes, such as paratroop

operations, cargo and personnel drops, supply hauling to forward bases, and evacuation missions. It also

featured aircrews wearing special equipment, allowing them to drop supplies from low altitudes without

damage or loss. The Soviet Union mainly relied on the Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik in their transport fleet during

WWII. This aircraft could carry up to four tons of payload, usually bombs, ammunition, or fuel which made it

ideal for resupply missions over long distances where other lighter planes could not hold enough weight to

succeed in delivering resources. Moreover, some models were equipped with light machine guns enabling them

to provide cover fire while carrying out airlifts of valuable troops or materials behind enemy lines.
 Food 

Food was a critical part of World War II operations. It nourished and sustained soldiers, factory workers, and

civilians alike (Harrison,1988). Food supplies were made available to

the troops of both allies. Food rationing became a way of controlling how much

people could eat, ensuring that each person received their fair share according to the

circumstances they found themselves in at the time.

During World War II, both the United States and the Soviet Union had to provide food for

their troops. Rations were made up of various foods preserved well in extreme

conditions, such as beef jerky, cured sausages, canned goods like fruits or vegetables, dry cereal

products like crackers or bread, and hard candy. These foods had to be nutritious and able to stay

fresh for long periods considering that troops often stay on battlefields for a long time. This could negatively

affect their food if proper preservation was not made.

Dehydrated and salted items were used extensively to ensure rations stayed fresh over long periods

without refrigeration -particularly on the front lines. This could include freeze-dried codfish for the US forces or

Salo (a type of smoked pork) for Soviet ones. Besides these

mainstays, other preparations included stews, goulash, and ragouts cooked with minimal oil

(Harrison,1988). Sugar was also a component, albeit not an essential source of calories since it

was challenging to acquire in large amounts due to its scarcity during wartime, even though the syrup

substitutes could be created from wheat flour and molasses.

To ensure further sustenance over time, supplementary elements such as cocoa powder

packets (for hot drinks), coffee and tea bags, and vitamin C tablets kept energy levels high throughout

missions lasting months. In some cases, ready-made meals provided by

occupied governments consisted mainly of carbohydrates but still served as a morale boost for the troops. These

ready-made meals proved essential for the troops as they provided more energy

to the troops and were made available to them in considerable quantities.

In production, both forces made use of their respective industrial capacity and mass-
produced these meals in raw materials such as tins or more light-sealed packages like cartons.

The former was done with heat and pressure to maintain vitamins and minerals

while reducing spoilage and saving storage space. This process also helped dehydrate foods

through sterilization techniques used by the U.S. Armed Forces, whereas Russians relied on

vacuum-packing and tinning instead, exponentially increasing shelf life.

The preservation methods used in World War II were essential for ensuring the health and

safety of troops throughout harsh conditions. They provided much-needed sustenance that kept

spirits high, even when far from home and fighting for their country. Countries like the United

States were more engaged in research and development to help come up with proper techniques

for producing and storing food items for the troops that could be used for more extended periods while at the

same time maintaining their nutritional values. The designs they came up with mainly

consisted of 12-ounce tinplate cans that could be opened with keys. During the initial stages of

the war, the foods supplied included stews. However, more varieties were added as the war continued, including

tomato sauce, spaghetti, eggs, chopped ham, meat and noodles, ham and lima

beans, vegetables, chicken, and meat.

The C-Ration and K-Ration were both ration packs issued to soldiers during World War

II. Both rations contained various food items that could supply a soldier with sustenance

while in the field. The C-rations, first released in 1938, consisted of canned components such as

meats (like beef or pork), fruits, and vegetables, plus sweets like chocolate bars and cigarettes.

They also included condiments and salts, so these meals stayed flavorful over long periods

without refrigeration, sometimes leaving an unusual taste due to their preservation process.

On the other hand, K-ration was developed four years later with more emphasis on

transportability. It featured compressed dehydrated cereals and crackers, cheese

packets, candy bars, and bouillon cubes for added flavor. Unlike their predecessor, this had

limited fresh ingredients since most came already sealed into smaller containers making them

easier to store in backpacks, among other places. This particular type also boasted high amounts
of carbohydrates, ensuring good energy levels even when no heat sources existed for cooking

which tended to be expected near the front lines. In general terms, both types provided much-needed nutrition

throughout challenging conditions. Still, only one would eventually become a standard issue among US troops

after 1945, the ever-popular meal known today simply as “C-ration.” 

Despite these challenges, both the United States and the Soviet Union were able to feed their population

and military forces during the war. The United States was actually able to produce more food than it needed,

which allowed it to supply its allies with food as well. The U.S. was actually able to send about 4.5 million tons

of food to Russian civilians. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, struggled with food shortages throughout the

war and relied heavily on food aid from the United States and other countries after the war ended. 

Overall, the Second World War significantly impacted food production and distribution in both the

United States and the Soviet Union. The challenges they faced during the war affected their agricultural

practices and food policies. 

Radio and Electrical Components 

During World War II, both the United States and the Soviet Union faced significant challenges in

producing and distributing radio and electrical components. In the United States, the demand for radio and

electrical components had a dramatic increase due to the need for military communication and control systems.

The Government responded by implementing policies to encourage the production and rationing of certain

materials used in the process of manufacturing. The Government also established the War Production Board,

which helped to coordinate the production of military and civilian goods, including radio and electrical

components. 

On the other hand, in the Soviet Union, the production of radio and electrical components was also

critical to the war effort. Still, the country faced many challenges due to the disruption of supply lines and the

indeed to relocate factories and workers to safer areas. The Soviet Government responded by implementing

policies to encourage production and providing resources and incentives to factories that produced military

goods. 
 Even with all these challenges, both the United States and the Soviet Union were able to produce and

distribute enough radio and electrical components to meet the demands of the war. The United States could also

produce enough radio components to supply its allies. 

Ammunitions 

The WWII weapons and ammunitions emerged as a result of rapid technological

developments in response to the growing needs of the troops. Many of the weapon systems that

are in use today evolved as a result of WWII. The war brought a change in the global

ammunition industry, with every country developing different techniques for developing

weapons that could counter the enemy and create intense destruction on the enemy. The

United States and the USSR developed different kinds of ammunition with varying capabilities

that could help them counter their perceived enemies during the war.

During World War II, a variety of weapons and ammunition were used by both the Allied

and Axis powers. On the artillery side, U.S. forces favored heavier guns like 105-mm howitzers

while German troops deployed lighter cannons such as 75/88 mm. This allowed for quicker

movement on battlefields, although their respective accuracy suffered from it, which was vital

when aiming at long distances enemies (Weeks, 2004). In terms of small arms, US soldiers

predominantly relied on M1 Garand rifles and Thompson submachine gun variants, although

those were not standardized till late 1943.

The Germans relied more upon MP40 and Mauser 98k models for infantry purposes in

addition to StG 44 assault rifle units that proved deadly during combat situations (Perret, 2011).

Both sides had access to abundant supplies, with most ammo being delivered via more giant shells fired from

mortars or heavy caliber firearms, plus smaller bullets that came either preloaded

inside magazines or clips, depending on the type used, or packed into boxes ready to be loaded

manually one by one.

As the technology evolved during the war years, so did armaments get increasingly

sophisticated. This helped create newer generations equipped with semi-automatic revolvers,
machine guns featuring rate fire options, and antitank equipment made of rocket launchers

and flamethrowers. Ultimately, WWII saw an array of weapons and ammunition used by both sides that are still

studied today for their effectiveness during one of the most significant wars

ever experienced in human history.

Amphibious Vehicles 

Amphibious vehicles played an important role during World War II. The most well-

The American “Duck” was a six-wheel-drive amphibious truck used by the U.S. forces in various operations,

such as Operation Overlord and D-Day landings (Harrison, 2000). It

had a machine gun mounted on top for added firepower and could transport up to 32 soldiers at

once. Another vehicle of note is the LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked), also known as Alligator or

Water Buffalo. This model proved invaluable when navigating rough seas or swamps since its tracks allowed it

to traverse without much trouble whatsoever, making

them especially useful when transporting troops and equipment ashore from vessels toward

beachheads.

Armored Vehicles 

Regarding armored vehicles, both sides featured different variations depending on the

type chosen. Nonetheless, tanks constituted the mainstay due to their offensive and defensive

capabilities and high survivability rate over prolonged periods. Take the M4 Sherman tank, for

example. It weighed around 30 tons while equipped with 75mm cannons and 3-inch antitank

guns, allowing them to engage enemy units successfully even against more advanced German

models like Tiger I and Panther V (Harrison, 2000). US armed forces utilized diverse range

armor, including Halftrack carriers and amphibious models like Duplex Drive, allowing

them to cross deep bodies of water with minimal effort. All these vehicles and ammunitions

helped drive U.S. forces towards ultimate victory in WWII.

Tehran Conference
 There were many attempts by Roosevelt to Joseph Stalin to meet up, but Stalin was fearful of

assassination and prolonged the meeting for years Stalin finally agreed and insisted that the meeting be held in

Tehran, Iran. Tehran, Iran held strategic importance to the allies. The United States used Iran as a corridor to

supply the Soviet Union. Also, the Germans had air superiority and naval superiority. The north seas and the

Atlantic made transportation difficult. Stalin had only given Roosevelt several days in advance notice of the

conference in which Roosevelt would stay in the Soviet embassy. Stalin had bugged Roosevelt's room in the

embassy, but the Americans did not hold any hard feelings. Winston Churchill would also be attending the

meeting; this would be the first time during the war that all three superpowers met together in a conference. The

conference was named Codename “Eureka.” The meeting took place from November 28th through December

1 , 1943. Each world leader had their own agenda that needed to be discussed with the others. Roosevelt needed
st

to affirm planning for Operation Overlord, the invasion of northern France through England Roosevelt’s

military advisors had longed for the invasion for years. Stalin's patience was wearing thin when the invasion

was going to take place. Operation Overlord was agreed to take place May 1st, 1944, but was delayed due to

weather. It did not take place until June 6th, 1944. On the other hand, Winston Churchill said Operation

Overlord should take place in 1945, but Roosevelt was determined to appease Stalin. Stalin’s primary objective

during the conference was to alleviate pressure off his troops on the eastern front with a new front on the

western side of Europe, splitting the German army up into three different fronts. Roosevelt also asked that the

U.S.S.R. would keep pressing the Germans on the eastern front. They would also declare war on Japan. Stalin

opposed this and stated that after the Germans were dealt with, the Soviets would declare war on Japan. Stalin

also was able to have The United States and the United Kingdom acknowledge the new border of the conquered

lands of Poland and the Baltic nations into the U.S.S.R.  Stalin conveyed to Roosevelt and Churchill that the

land was needed as a buffer between Germany and the USSR.  Roosevelt also induced an organization of

international heads of state that could meet and discuss social and economic problems worldwide; this would be

the future of the United Nations. The Tehran conference was an overall success, with the leaders of the allies

aligning with each other for one common goal of removing the German war machine from Europe.

Yalta Conference 
 The Yalta Conference was a meeting of the heads of government of the United States, Great Britain, and the

Soviet Union, which took place from February 4 to 11, 1945, located in the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine.

The conference's primary purpose was to discuss and plan the postwar future for Europe. The leaders who

attended the conference were United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Great Britains Prime Minister Winston

Churchill, and the Soviet Unions General Secretary Joseph Stalin.

The conference was between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. Stalin demanded significant control over

Eastern Europe, which was viewed by the Western Allies as a threat. However, the leaders ultimately reached agreements

on various issues, including the establishment of a postwar occupation of Germany, Soviet entry into the war against

Japan, and the recognition of the Soviet Union's territorial gains in World War II.

For the United States, the conference represented an opportunity to secure Soviet assistance in the war against

Japan, which was still ongoing at the time. President Roosevelt was also interested in establishing a postwar global

security organization, which ultimately became the United Nations.

The Soviet Union, on the other hand, sought to gain control over Eastern Europe and establish a buffer zone of

friendly states as a defense against future invasions. Stalin was also eager to obtain postwar reparations from Germany,

which had caused immense damage to the Soviet Union during the war. 

While the conference did result in agreements on many issues, including the division of Germany and Soviet

participation in the war against Japan, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union began to emerge. The

Western Allies were concerned about the Soviet Union's aggressive postwar territorial claims and the establishment of

Soviet-controlled governments in Eastern Europe.

Ultimately, the Yalta Conference significantly shaped the post-World War II world order and the emergence of

the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. 

Potsdam Conference

The Potsdam Conference was a meeting of the Allied powers' leaders after World War II's end. The conference

was held in Potsdam, Germany, from July 17 to August 2, 1945. The Potsdam Conference was a critical event in the

history of the United States and the Soviet Union during World War II. The conference took place after Germany's defeat

and aimed at establishing the post-war order in Europe.

 The conference was attended by the leaders of the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom,

which were President Harry S. Truman, General Secretary Joseph Stalin, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill (who was

replaced by Clement Attlee halfway through the conference). 

The Potsdam Conference focused on determining Germany's post-war borders and establishing the terms for the

occupation of Germany. The conference also addressed issues related to the war in Asia, including Japan's status and

Korea's division.

Tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union continued to grow at the Potsdam Conference, as the

two sides disagreed over issues such as the division of Germany, the status of Poland, and the level of reparations

Germany should pay. The conference was also marked by the first meeting between Truman and Stalin, which set the tone

for the Cold War.

In the end, the Potsdam Conference resulted in an agreement on dividing Germany into occupation zones,

establishing a Council of Foreign Ministers to oversee the rebuilding of Europe, and the prosecution of Nazi war

criminals. However, the conference also laid the groundwork for the Cold War and the division of Europe into Western

and Soviet spheres of influence.

Post War Relations

From the end of 1945 and the end of 1946, many eastern European countries that were occupied by

Soviet troops transformed into communist nations. Yugoslavia, Albania, and Bulgaria comprised these Eastern

European countries with ties to the Soviets. The United States and Britain felt that this was a form of annulment

by the Soviets of their word from the Yalta Conference. On February 22, 1946, George Kennan, who dealt with

affairs at the Moscow embassy, sent a telegraph detailing concerns about the expansion of the Soviet Union. In

this telegraph, he relayed a message of fear that the U.S. would never be able to cooperate with the Soviets, as

they saw the West as an enemy. Keenan asked that the U.S. lead the charge in “containing the Soviets.” The

telegram had a significant influence on policies made toward the Soviets. In 1946, Winston Churchill made his

Iron Curtain Speech in Missouri. During this speech, he stated that Europe was divided by an Iron Curtain, as

many countries fell under Communist rule. 

In March of 1947, President Harry Truman spoke before Congress asking for four hundred million

dollars to provide aid to both Greece and Turkey. While this may seem generous, the goal was to improve pro-
western influence in Europe. As Truman announced, the Doctrine would justify the Cold War of Containment

between the U.S. and the Soviets. In June of 1947, The U.S. submitted the Baruch Plans, which served as

proposals for creating the International Atomic Energy Development Authority. The goal of this would be a sort

of Checks and Balances on Atomic Weapons through inspections, and while the U.S. offered to destroy its

weapons of mass destruction, the Soviets declined. In June of 1947, Secretary of State George Marshall offered

U.S. assistance for the rehabilitation of all European Nations, including the newly communist ran countries. The

Soviets fought against this plan, feeling it imposed Western will on European sovereignty. Western Europe,

however, accepted Marshall’s plan, while the East followed Moscow. In April of 1949, twelve Western nations

signed NATO. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization would provide support in the event of any military

attack on any country involved in the treaty. The Founding Members of this treaty included Belgium, Canada,

Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, The U.K., and the U.S.

Germany was still reeling from post-WWII effects, so it was soon divided into two countries. The Western

Powers took control of the West Side, while the Soviets controlled the East. In 1949, The Soviets detonated

their first Atomic Bomb, according to President Truman. 

In the early times of 1950, two crucial policies regarding the Soviets were put into place. The first was

the Sino-Soviet Treaty, which created a mutual friendship between China and the Soviets in order to push the

idea of communism. The second was a U.S.-signed Paper regarding National Security, as it outlined U.S.

justification for massive military buildup due to the Soviets' gathering of Power, expansionism, and

containment.

 Between 1950 and 1953, the Korean War took up the United States' interest as The soviets took control

of North Korea and the U.S. took control of the south, much like the splitting of Germany. For three years, both

sides of Korea were backed by each counterpart until the committed countries signed an armistice that would

end the conflict but left North and South Korea separated as their own entities. Between 1952 and 1954, There

was an abundance of activity regarding Hydronic activity. Both the U.S. and the Soviets had their first hydrogen

bomb detonated within a year of each other. This was commenced by Dwight Eisenhower signing the Atomic

Energy Act authorized the exchange of information on the peaceful use of these newfound forms of nuclear and
atomic energies. During this battle of Hydrogen development was the death of Joseph Stalin. His death led to

the Soviets entering a period of collective communist leadership until the very first secretary of communism,

Nikita Khrushchev, consolidated power and became the Soviet leader. 

Between May and July of 1955, three pacts, treaties, and policies were introduced. The first was the

Warsaw Pact, which was a Soviet military alliance, like NATO, for its eastern European-influenced countries.

The Austrian State Treaty followed, giving Austria the diplomatic right to be an independent nation after many

years of being vied for while remaining neutral. In 1956, Nikita Khrushchev denounced certain aspects of

Stalin’s Regime, with the biggest being the reversal of his policies regarding the peace between states with

different political systems. On October 5th, 1957, the Soviets beat the United States in the space race thanks to

Sputnik. While seemingly nothing from our perspective, this led to concerns about Soviet technological

advancement. In September 1959, Khrushchev and Eisenhower met to discuss the disarmament and

reunification of Germany to no avail. In 1960, Eisenhower had been sending spy planes over the Soviet Union,

claiming them to be weather planes. After the Soviets shot a U-2 down, Eisenhower reinforced the idea of

weather planes until the Soviets showed proof through the admission of the pilot. Through this event, the Paris

Summit in 1960 collapsed as Eisenhower refused to apologize to the Soviet Union. The Soviets later duped the

Americans by sending a listening device disguised as an embassy seal to the U.S. embassy. In 1962, the Cuban

Missile Crisis raged as The U.S. discovered that the Soviets were placing nuclear ballistic missiles in Cuba.

Kennedy placed a naval blockade in Cuba, and following demands from the U.S., the Soviets agreed to stop

work on the missiles in Cuba. In October 1964, Communist party members in the Soviet Union forced

Khrushchev from power, and Alexei Kosygin took over. In January 1967, The U.S. and the Soviets signed a

peace treaty on using Outer Space. In August of 1968, The Soviets invaded Czechoslovakia, which suspended

many of the agreements that the Soviets and the U.S. had in place. This also delayed the Nuclear

Nonproliferation Treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and the peaceful use of this energy. In

February of 1971, A treaty banning nuclear weapons on the world's seabed was signed. Later that year, in

August, The U.S. and the Soviets agreed to reduce nuclear risk and potentially provide safeguards to combat
nuclear war. At the Moscow summit of 1972, Richard Nixon flew to Moscow and signed the ABM and SALT I

agreements covering the limitations of missiles. 

For the next seven years, there would be many discussions and agreements between the U.S. and the

Soviets to remain peaceful and prevent the use of nuclear and ballistic enhancement. In 1979, Leaders met to

discuss SALT II, the goals of this proposal ranged from human rights, trade, the Middle East, Africa, and China,

but also the subsequent limitation of strategic arms. Although the Summit of Vienna had talked of all topics in

the World, the U.S. never ratified SALT II. In December of 1979, The Soviets invaded Afghanistan, which

immediately drew the ire of the U.S. and was ultimately the cause of SALT II’s delay. This invasion also led to

a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In May of 1980, following eight months of hardly any contact,

Secretary of State Edmund Muskie and Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko briefly met in Geneva.

Following this, they met again in New York and agreed to neutrality throughout the Iran-Iraq war. In November

of 1981, President Ronald Reagan proposed renewed arms control policies focusing on diminishing all

weapons. Through what would later be called his Zero-Zero proposal, NATO would not deploy the Pershing II

in Western Europe if the Soviets dismantled its own missiles.

 In December 1981, Martial law was declared in Poland, and the U.S. issued sanctions against the Polish

and Soviet governments. In 1983, Ronald Reagan penned an open letter to Europe calling for banning long and

medium-range nuclear missiles. He also started the Strategic Defense Initiative to study defense measures

against nuclear weapons. In May of 1984, the Soviets boycotted the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, detailing a

lack of proper security arrangements. In September of 1984, Reagan proposed a rough framework on arms

control issues to cover a ban on chemical weapons, forced reduction of arms, and a substantial reduction of

nuclear arsenals between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. At the 1985 Geneva Summit, President Reagan and

General Secretary Gorbachev discussed a four-part agenda that highlighted; human rights, regional issues,

bilateral matters, and arms control. Following this meeting, they agreed to study nuclear risk reduction centers

and accelerate treaty efforts to ban chemical weapons. 

In December of 1985, the U.S. and the Soviets agreed on a neutral 3-year no-increasing commitment on

weapons. In April 1986, the Chornobyl Nuclear plant exploded, which to this day is the most significant
chemical disaster in history. In April 1987, Listening devices were discovered at the U.S. Embassy. In

December 1987, Reagan and Gorbachev signed a treaty that, in principle, called for a 50 percent reduction of

arms. In June of 1988, Gorbachev announced significant reform to Soviet political ways, including introducing

a president and a congress of people’s duties. The goal of this reform was to reduce party control of the

government. In March of 1989, just months after instituting a president in the Soviet Union, the people elected

Gorbachev as their inaugural leader. In May of 1989, President Bush sought economic reform in the Soviet

Union and their integration into the community of nations. Between June and November of 1989, Communism

fell in Eastern Europe, including Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, as well as the Berlin Wall was knocked

down. 

In December of 1989, leaders of the two countries met in Malta to set priorities for the next summit. The

goal here was the accelerated conclusion of nuclear and arms agreements and commercial and regional

conflicts. In January of 1990, President Bush proposed that both countries reduce their militaries to 195,000

each. In February of 1990, the four allied powers of World War II agreed to a framework unification of

Germany nearly 50 years after the start of WWII. In May of 1990, Gorbachev and Bush met at Camp David to

sign binding agreements again will arms limiting and chemical weapon bans. In August of 1990, President Bush

announced lifting restrictions on businesspeople from Russia into the U.S. In September of 1990, Both the U.S.

and Russia agreed to cut off Iraq from all arms shipments and condemned their invasion of Kuwait. In October

1990, both sides of Germany formally signed the reunification treaty. In December 1990, Gorbachev received

the Nobel Peace Prize. In August of 1991, a coup was staged in order to slow Gorbachev’s liberalization of the

Soviet Union, but power was restored a mere three days later. In December 1991, The Soviet Union was

dissolved following Gorbachev’s resignation. Eleven former United States became independent nations, and the

U.S. began relations with Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. In February 1992, emergency

humanitarian aid began to aid the former Soviet republics, and a joint declaration was made that Russia and the

U.S. are not regarded as future adversaries. In June 1992, the U.S. and Russia agreed to collaborate on space

exploration peacefully. Between September and October of 1993, President Boris Yeltsin suspended the

Russian parliament due to accusations of obstructing political and economic reforms. In May of 1995, during
the 50th anniversary of WW2, Clinton and Yeltsin agreed that Russia would support democracy and urged

ending the conflict in Chechnya. Yeltsin announced that legislative and presidential elections would happen in

1996. They both also agreed that Russia would become a close friend to NATO as Russia agreed not to supply

nuclear weapons to Iran. 

The U.S. also backed Russia in its ascension to the World Trade Organization. In 1996, Both countries

condemned terrorist attacks in Israel and declared peace processes in the Middle East. In 1997, the NATO-

Russia founding act was passed, which helped build their relationship and sustain lasting and inclusive peace. In

1997, the first-ever G-8 summit took place to agree on sanctions against Iraq. It was the first economic summit

that Russia participated in as an equal. In 1998, the International space station was launched. In June of 200,

Clinton met with newly elected president Vladimir Putin for the first time. The two-president agreed on a joint

missile data center in Moscow; this would be the first-ever joint military action by the two countries as they

would be working together 24 hours a day. The two presidents also agreed to destroy 34 tons of plutonium. In

June of 2001, Bush and Putin met for the first time to increase all relations between the two countries. In

November of 2001, Putin made his first visit to the united states which enforced the containment of organized c

crime and drug trafficking, as well as the containment of terrorism and the reconstruction of Afghanistan, which

was under Taliban control.

 Between 2002 and 2007, most of the talk between Russia and the U.S. was on terrorism containment

and peace in the middle east. In addition, there were continued efforts to reduce arms, nuclear weapons,

organized crime, and drug trafficking. In 2016 reports were made that Russia meddled in the 2016 election for

Donald Trump to be elected. In modern times, Russia has made enemies with just about everyone in the world

since it invaded Ukraine. Most of the world has shut off Russia through economic and communicational ways.

For over two hundred years, Russia and the united states have had an up-and-down relationship that has covered

business partnerships, enemies in war, allies in the war, and a negotiating battle spanning seventy years over the

fear of each other’s missiles. The U.S. and Russia may never be best friends, but they most certainly respect the

power each holds.

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Harrison, M. (1988). Resource mobilization for World War II: the USA, UK, USSR, and Germany, 1938-

1945. Economic History Review, 171-192.

Harrison, M. (Ed.). (2000). The economics of World War II: six great powers in international comparison.

Cambridge University Press.

Heinrichs, W. H. (1988). Threshold of War: Franklin D. Roosevelt and American Entry into World War II.

Oxford University Press on Demand.

Hodgson, G. (2005). America in our time: From World War II to Nixon--what happened and why. Princeton

University Press.

Koistinen, P. A. (2004). Arsenal of World War II: The political economy of American warfare, 1940-1945.

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Maser, E., Bünning, T. H., Brenner, M., Van Haelst, S., De Rijcke, M., Müller, P., ... & Strehse, J. S. (2023).

Warship wrecks and their munition cargos as a threat to the marine environment and humans: The V

1302 “JOHN MAHN” from World War II. Science of the total environment, 857, 159324.

Perret, G. (2011). There's a War to Be Won: The United States Army in World War II. Ballantine Books.

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Jeep® History | The Legacy of Different Jeep Models By Year

Milestones: 1937–1945 - Office of the Historian (state.gov)

A-Brief-History-of-Studebaker-Trucks.pdf (studebakerdriversclub.com)