Florida US History EOC Practice Exam

What was a significant consequence of the Potsdam Conference?

1. The end of World War II

2. The start of the Cold War

3. A peace agreement with Japan

4. The formation of NATO

The correct answer is: The start of the Cold War

The Potsdam Conference, held in July-August 1945, was a pivotal moment in post-World War II history that significantly contributed to the onset of the Cold War. At this conference, leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union discussed the administration of post-war Europe, particularly Germany. The differing visions for the future of Europe, especially regarding the spread of communism and the nature of democracy, created a rift between the Western powers and the Soviet Union. The conference revealed deep ideological divides. The United States and its allies were committed to fostering democratic governance and capitalist economies, while the Soviet Union aimed to expand its influence by promoting communism in Eastern Europe. The tensions and disagreements that surfaced during and after the Potsdam Conference laid the groundwork for the Cold War, characterized by political, military, and economic rivalry between the two blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. The other answers point to important historical events but do not capture the primary outcome of the Potsdam Conference regarding the ideological struggle that emerged, which was foundational to the Cold War.