Document 1: 1941-1945: The U. S. and U. S.S. R. become Allies The relationship between the United States and the USSR had always been strained because the political
ideologies they supported - capitalism and democracy the US and communism and a command economy in
the USSR - were opposed to one another. Their relationship was further tested following Stalin's decision to
sign the Nazi-Soviet Pact, with Germany in 1939. Stalin's decision and occupation of Poland in 1939 led the US
to publicly condemn the USSR. US president Franklin Roosevelt sought to improve relations with the USSR as
Hitler was picking up speed in 1940. In June 1941, when Hitler broke the Nazi-Soviet Pact and invaded the
USSR it was the perfect opportunity for the US to gain a new ally to defeat the Nazis. By the end of October the
first Lend-Lease aid to the Soviet Union was sent. Stalin left the Axis powers and joined the Allies.
1. What is the historical context for the strained relations between the US and Soviet Union?
2. Why did the US and Soviet Union fight together as allies in 1941?
During the war, there were several disagreements between the US and the USSR. The victory over the Nazis
did not magically fix the relationship between the US and USSR. The US was still concerned about the spread
of communism. The USSR was frustrated with Americas hesitance to treat it as part of the international
community. As the war came to an end, this distrust continued to grow.
3. What is the author's point of view concerning the strained relationship between the US and Soviet Union during and
after the War?