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How is WWII a Turning Point in American History?
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Potsdam Conference
July-Aug 1945
The U.S., Great Britain and France insisted that Soviets allow free, open elections in Poland and Eastern European nations after the war. However, Stalin (Soviet Dictator) refused to agree. Also, Truman did not tell Stalin about atomic bomb. These two things caused tension to build up between allies, specifically the US and the Soviet Union. -
Berlin Airlift
June 1948- May 1949
The three western zones of Germany reunified (US, GB, France), but the fourth zone (Soviet Union) cut off all highway, water, rail traffic into western zones of Berlin. However, an airlift was created by the US, Great Britain and France to fly in food and supplies. After 327 days, 277,000 flights, 2.3 mil tons of supplies were shipped in. This boosted American prestige around world, while Soviet prestige dropped. -
Soviet Explodes Bomb
Sep. 23, 1949
This was essential to the turning point in American history because citizens found out about the atomic bomb. -
Rosenberg Execution- June 1953
Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were minor activists in the American Communist Party. When accused of spying and spreading information, they pleaded fifth. They were found guilty and got the electric chair. This turned paranoia into actual actions.