The British occupation of Germany, 1945-49, and the origins of the Cold War
About this talk
In this talk, Dr Daniel Cowling explores Britain’s attempt to ‘win the peace’ in the aftermath of the Second World War – and its major bearing upon the course of the early Cold War. It considers plans made for the future of Germany during the wartime peace conferences at Yalta and Potsdam, as well as the emerging uncertainties about Britain’s role in world affairs in a new era of superpowers.
Showcasing his new research, Dr Cowling goes on to highlight the importance of Britain’s military occupation of Germany in shaping the ideological, financial and political controversies of the era, from denazification policies through to the Berlin Crisis and, ultimately, the division of Germany between East and West.
Source pack
Our accompanying source pack features key images from the National Army Museum Collection which can be used in the classroom.
