OCR Specification focus:
‘Decisions on Asia at Yalta and Potsdam; US policies – Kennan’s Long Telegram 1946, the creation of Model States (occupation and reconstruction of Japan).’
The early Cold War in Asia was shaped by decisions at Yalta and Potsdam, American strategic thinking, and post-war occupation policies designed to secure allies and stability.
The Yalta Conference and Asia
Agreements on Asia
In February 1945, the Yalta Conference brought together the Allies (Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin) to discuss the post-war settlement. Decisions relevant to Asia included:
The USSR agreed to enter the war against Japan within three months of Germany’s surrender.
In return, Stalin was promised concessions, including influence in Manchuria and control over the southern half of Sakhalin Island.
China, under Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek), was recognised as one of the “Four Policemen” powers, reflecting its importance to future regional stability.
These arrangements demonstrated how wartime diplomacy shaped Asia’s future, but they also sowed seeds of Cold War rivalry, with spheres of influence being mapped out before Japan’s defeat.
Implications
The agreement foreshadowed Soviet entry into East Asia, raising tensions with the USA.
It placed China as a strategic partner, though fragile internally.
It laid groundwork for disputes over Korea and post-war settlements in the Pacific.
The Potsdam Conference and Japan
Context
By July 1945, Germany had surrendered and the war in Europe was over. The Potsdam Conference brought together Truman (USA), Churchill/Attlee (UK), and Stalin.
Decisions
The Potsdam Declaration demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender.
A facsimile of the Potsdam Declaration (26 July 1945), which demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender and outlined plans for demilitarisation and democratisation. Source
Japan’s sovereignty was to be limited to its home islands.
The Allies emphasised demilitarisation and democratisation for Japan’s future.
There was no final agreement on long-term control of Korea, leaving it a source of tension.
Significance
Truman was less inclined to compromise with the USSR than Roosevelt had been at Yalta, deepening mistrust.
The use of the atomic bomb against Hiroshima and Nagasaki further sidelined Soviet influence in Japan.
US Policies in Asia
Kennan’s Long Telegram (1946)
The Long Telegram (sent by George Kennan from Moscow) outlined the principles of US foreign policy in the emerging Cold War.
Key points from the Telegram:
The USSR sought to expand its influence globally.
The Soviet system was inherently hostile to the West.
The USA should pursue containment rather than direct military confrontation.
Impact on Asia:
Informed the US commitment to limiting Soviet influence in the Pacific.
Justified long-term involvement in Japan and wider East Asia.
Set the ideological backdrop for later conflicts in Korea and Vietnam.
Creation of Model States: Japan
The United States aimed to turn Japan into a Model State — an exemplar of democratic and capitalist reconstruction.
Occupation and Reform
Under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP), the US oversaw Japan’s transformation:
General Douglas MacArthur and Emperor Hirohito at their first meeting in Tokyo, 27 September 1945. The photograph symbolises the start of US-led occupation and reform in Japan. Source
Demilitarisation: Japan’s armed forces were dismantled, and a new pacifist constitution (Article 9) renounced war.
Democratisation: Introduction of parliamentary democracy, suffrage for women, and civil liberties.
Economic reforms:
Land reform broke up large estates and redistributed land to peasants.
Zaibatsu (large industrial conglomerates) were initially targeted for dissolution, though many adapted and survived.
Emphasis on industrial recovery to stabilise Japan and create a reliable ally.
Social and Political Impact
A strong pro-Western democratic system was established, aligned closely with US interests.
Japan became a bulwark against communism in East Asia.
Reconstruction paved the way for Japan’s post-war “economic miracle”.
Significance of US Policies
The creation of a model democratic state in Japan demonstrated US global leadership and ideological commitment. It also contrasted sharply with the Soviet model of influence in Eastern Europe and later North Korea.
The Strategic Context
US Aims
To prevent the spread of communism into Asia.
To build strong, reliable allies in the Pacific.
To establish a lasting economic and political foothold in East Asia.
Long-Term Consequences
Yalta and Potsdam decisions, combined with Kennan’s analysis, entrenched an East–West division in Asia.
Japan’s transformation symbolised the clash between American capitalism and Soviet communism.
These policies set the stage for conflicts such as the Korean War, where the boundaries of containment would be tested.
Key Points for Revision
Yalta: Soviet entry into war against Japan, concessions in Asia, recognition of China.
Potsdam: Demand for Japan’s unconditional surrender, demilitarisation, and democratisation.
Kennan’s Long Telegram: Advocated containment of Soviet expansion, foundational for US Cold War policy.
Model State – Japan: Occupation reforms established democracy, demilitarisation, and economic stability, making Japan a vital ally against communism.
FAQ
Stalin sought influence in Manchuria because of its rich natural resources, strategic railways, and its position as a buffer zone between the Soviet Union and China.
Control over Port Arthur and railways such as the Chinese Eastern Railway offered both economic and military advantages.
It also allowed the USSR to strengthen its influence in East Asia, particularly as the region was key to future power struggles with the United States.
Roosevelt had been more willing to work with Stalin and compromise, hoping to secure long-term cooperation.
By contrast, Truman distrusted Soviet intentions and was determined to limit their role in post-war settlements.
This shift made negotiations at Potsdam more confrontational, especially over Japan and Korea, deepening the emerging Cold War divide.
Article 9, drafted during the US occupation, formally renounced Japan’s right to wage war.
Key points:
Japan could not maintain traditional armed forces.
Military action was prohibited as a tool of foreign policy.
The article positioned Japan as a pacifist state under US protection.
This was crucial to US containment strategy, ensuring Japan would not become militarily independent but would remain economically strong and politically aligned with the West.
Large landlords were broken up, and land was redistributed to tenant farmers at low cost.
This weakened a traditional elite that could have aligned with radical movements.
By improving living standards for peasants, reforms undercut communist appeals to rural workers, strengthening support for moderate, pro-Western policies.
The United States wanted China to be a stabilising force in East Asia and a counterweight to Soviet influence.
Recognition boosted the prestige of Jiang Jieshi’s Nationalist government, even though it faced internal instability and communist opposition.
Including China alongside the USA, UK, and USSR also reinforced the principle of great-power cooperation in post-war planning, at least in theory.
Practice Questions
Question 1 (2 marks):
At which two conferences were key decisions made about Asia in 1945?
Mark scheme:
1 mark for identifying Yalta Conference (February 1945).
1 mark for identifying Potsdam Conference (July 1945).
(Maximum 2 marks.)
Question 2 (6 marks):
Explain how US policy towards Japan after 1945 reflected the ideas set out in Kennan’s Long Telegram.
Mark scheme:
1 mark for a basic description of the Long Telegram (e.g. it advised containment of communism, 1946).
1 mark for recognising that the USA aimed to make Japan a Model State.
1 mark for linking US occupation policies (e.g. demilitarisation or democratisation) to the goal of preventing communist influence.
1 mark for linking economic reform in Japan (e.g. land reform, industrial revival) to strengthening resistance against communism.
1 mark for recognising Japan’s strategic role as a bulwark against communism in East Asia.
1 mark for explaining how this policy was consistent with Kennan’s advice for long-term ideological and political containment rather than direct confrontation.
(Maximum 6 marks.)
