Answer :
Final answer:
The Potsdam Conference, held in July-August 1945, underscored the growing tensions between the Soviet Union and Western powers, notably over issues like post-war Germany and Eastern Europe. This conference exemplified the ideological differences between communism and democracy, setting the stage for the subsequent Cold War. The discussions and disagreements at Potsdam were pivotal in shaping international relations in the post-war era.
Explanation:
Cold War Tensions and the Potsdam Conference
The conference that most significantly highlighted the growing tensions between the Soviet Union and Western powers at the end of World War II was the Potsdam Conference. Held in July-August 1945, this meeting included leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, specifically President Harry S. Truman, Prime Minister Winston Churchill (later replaced by Clement Attlee), and Premier Joseph Stalin.
During the Potsdam Conference, key issues such as the administration of post-war Germany, territorial changes, and reparations were discussed. However, deep-seated differences in ideology and goals became apparent. The disagreements over the future of Eastern Europe particularly revealed contrasting visions: the Soviets aimed to establish a security buffer of communist states, while the Western powers sought to promote democracy and free markets.
Ultimately, the decisions made and the tensions expressed at the Potsdam Conference laid the groundwork for the Cold War, as both sides increasingly viewed each other with suspicion and hostility, exacerbating the ideological divide that characterized international relations in the following decades.
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