Sorry another question I am struggling with finding information in my text and on the web. Some things I am reading seem to be that the answer is d, all of the above. I know that Stalin wanted forces on the East front, but the Allies said it wasn't possible. Stalin also didn't like the delays and distrusted the Poles.
5) The Soviet Union’s distrust of the West could be traced in part to:
a) Churchill’s desire to invade Europe through Italy.
b) The delay in invading France along the Atlantic Coast.
c) Britain’s support for a democratic Polish state.
d) All of the above.
I am inclined to agree with you on d.
Based upon your own learning or my reasoning?
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option and see how it relates to the Soviet Union's distrust of the West.
a) Churchill's desire to invade Europe through Italy:
During World War II, Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain, advocated for a strategy of invading Europe through Italy. This approach was in contrast to Stalin's desire for the Allies to open a second front in Western Europe, which would relieve some of the pressure on the Soviet Union fighting against Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front. While this difference in strategy may have contributed to tensions between the Allies, it alone does not fully explain the Soviet Union's distrust of the West.
b) The delay in invading France along the Atlantic Coast:
Another factor that could have contributed to the Soviet Union's distrust of the West was the delay in the Allied invasion of France along the Atlantic coast. Stalin repeatedly urged the British and Americans to open a second front, arguing that it would alleviate some of the pressure on the Soviet forces. However, due to various reasons, including logistical challenges and strategic considerations, the Western Allies did not launch a major amphibious assault in Western Europe until June 1944 (D-Day). While this delay might have contributed to the Soviet Union's distrust of the West, it alone does not fully explain it.
c) Britain's support for a democratic Polish state:
One of the major points of contention between the Soviet Union and the West during World War II was the issue of Poland. The Soviet Union sought to exert control over Poland and install a government that aligned with their interests. On the other hand, the Western Allies, particularly Britain, supported the idea of a democratic Poland with free elections. This disagreement over the future of Poland contributed significantly to the strained relations between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies during the war.
d) All of the above:
Considering the analysis of options a, b, and c, it becomes clear that all three factors played a role in contributing to the Soviet Union's distrust of the West. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be d) All of the above.
To find this information, you may refer to your course materials or textbooks that cover World War II and the relationships between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies. Additionally, you can conduct searches on reputable historical websites, such as those maintained by museums, academic institutions, or authoritative sources on World War II.