1. Stalin's sentiments post-WWII were marked by deep suspicion, especially about the West's intentions, leading to a focus on securing Soviet borders.
2. Stalin opposed an alliance with a resurgent Germany, viewing it as a potential threat.
3. His paranoia about security stemmed from the immense Soviet sacrifices during WWII.
4. Stalin did not abandon communism; he used the war's victory to strengthen his control and ideological influence within the USSR.
At the end of World War II, Josef Stalin's sentiments were complex and driven by various factors:
1. Security and Safety: Stalin was not reasonably certain of the security and safety of Russia. Despite achieving victory, he harbored deep suspicions and fears of renewed aggression from the West. His primary focus was on securing Soviet borders and expanding influence in Eastern Europe to create a buffer zone.
2. Alliance with Germany: Stalin did not want to become allied with a newly powerful Germany. His memories of the devastating German invasion during the war led him to view Germany as a potential threat. He aimed to divide and control Germany to prevent future aggression.
3. Paranoia about Security: Stalin was indeed paranoid about Russian security. The immense sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during the war contributed to his heightened paranoia. He believed the West aimed to undermine Soviet security, leading him to pursue strategic expansion and control.
4. Abandoning Communism: Stalin did not abandon communism. Despite the hardships of the war, he remained firmly committed to the communist ideology. He saw the victory as a validation of the Soviet system, using it to strengthen his control and ideological influence within the USSR.
Complete question below:
What were Josef Stalin's sentiments at the end of World War II?
1. Was he reasonably certain of the security and safety of Russia?
2. Did he want to become allied with a newly powerful Germany?
3. Was he paranoid beyond belief about Russian security, feeling that the Russians had paid the primary cost of winning World War II?
4. Did he abandon Communism?