American History Hit Podcast Episode Summary: "FDR & Stalin"

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Don Wildman
Guest: Professor Phillips O'Brien, Author of "The Strategists: Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, Mussolini, and Hitler. How the War Made Them and How They Made War"

Introduction

In the episode titled "FDR & Stalin," host Don Wildman delves into the intricate and pivotal relationship between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin during World War II. Joining him is Professor Phillips O'Brien, a renowned historian and expert on strategic studies from St. Andrews University. Together, they explore the dynamics that shaped the Tehran Conference, a crucial meeting that influenced the Allied strategy and the post-war world order.

Building a Relationship: FDR and Stalin

The foundation of the episode rests on understanding how FDR sought to establish a personal rapport with Stalin, recognizing the necessity of a strong alliance against Nazi Germany.

• Roosevelt’s Personal Approach:
  [05:56] O'Brien explains, "Roosevelt is a very charming man. A lot of people are won over by Roosevelt and they believe they're Roosevelt's friends. He had a way of making you think he liked you, I would argue, far more than he really did."

• Stalin’s Perspective:
  [07:16] O'Brien notes, "Stalin remains suspicious... playing a bit of a role of... a temporary friend. Allies to win the war and that was it."

This mutual yet cautious engagement set the stage for their interactions, with Roosevelt aiming to forge lasting cooperation while Stalin maintained ideological reservations.

The Tehran Conference: Context and Dynamics

Held in November 1943, the Tehran Conference was the first face-to-face meeting between FDR and Stalin, alongside British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The conference was primarily focused on military strategy to ensure the defeat of Nazi Germany.

• Roosevelt’s Determination:
  [05:20] O'Brien emphasizes Roosevelt’s desperation: "Roosevelt is desperate to have this meeting. Stalin is really not so desperate, but is finally willing to do it."

• Living Arrangements as Power Dynamics:
  [19:35] O'Brien reveals a dramatic aspect of the conference: Roosevelt effectively becomes a "housemate" in the Soviet compound, symbolizing the power imbalance as he is under tight Soviet guard.

Key Decisions: D-Day and Poland

One of the critical outcomes of the Tehran Conference was the agreement to launch Operation Overlord (D-Day) in 1944, despite Churchill's initial resistance.

• D-Day Negotiations:
  [21:12] O'Brien explains, "Roosevelt’s always pushing D Day and Churchill’s always resisting. But when Stalin's there, there's nothing Churchill can really do because it's two against one."

• The Fate of Poland:
  [24:13] The discussion shifts to the contentious issue of Poland. Roosevelt faces internal pressures from Polish-Americans advocating for Polish sovereignty, while Stalin seeks to secure Soviet interests in Eastern Europe.

  [25:49] O'Brien states, "Poland becomes the most divisive issue between Stalin and Roosevelt. Stalin occupies it with the Red Army, giving him the lion's share of say in its future."

Internal Pressures and Political Pragmatism

FDR navigated complex domestic pressures, including sympathies toward the Soviet Union within the Democratic Party, to maintain party unity and secure support for wartime policies.

• Democratic Party Dynamics:
  [10:20] O'Brien notes, "Roosevelt is hearing from one side of his party that really, this is a power we have to get along with. It's not an evil power. It's different, but we can be friendly."

• Pragmatism Over Ideology:
  [09:03] O'Brien highlights Roosevelt's practical approach: "He is a practical politician. The New Deal is not ideologically motivated. He's just trying things."

This pragmatism allowed Roosevelt to prioritize the war effort over ideological differences, fostering necessary alliances despite inherent tensions.

Aftermath and Yalta Conference

The episode contrasts the Tehran Conference with the subsequent Yalta Conference in February 1945, where the tides had shifted due to Roosevelt’s declining health and the nearing end of the war in Europe.

• Declining Health of FDR:
  [26:17] O'Brien observes, "Between the end of Tehran and the beginning of Yalta, Roosevelt goes from someone who still has vibrancy and strength to a dying man."

• Stalin’s Opportunism:
  [27:02] O'Brien asserts, "Stalin killed many of his best friends. Could Stalin feel bad for any human being? I don't think he had that kind of empathy."

At Yalta, the unresolved issues from Tehran, particularly Poland's future, intensified as Roosevelt struggled with his health, impacting his negotiating power.

The United Nations and Post-War Planning

Roosevelt was a staunch advocate for the establishment of the United Nations, envisioning it as a mechanism to prevent future global conflicts.

• Roosevelt’s Vision:
  [30:29] O'Brien explains, "Roosevelt really believes the United Nations is important, and he's trying to set up an international body that will work."

• Stalin’s Indifference:
  [30:36] In contrast, Stalin viewed the UN as inconsequential, preferring direct power negotiations among the great powers themselves.

This difference underscored the emerging ideological rift that would shape the post-war order.

Legacy and Counterfactuals

The episode concludes by contemplating the profound impact of Roosevelt’s untimely death shortly after Yalta, raising questions about how his continued leadership might have altered geopolitical dynamics.

• Roosevelt’s Unpreparedness:
  [34:28] O'Brien criticizes Roosevelt’s decision to run for a fourth term despite his poor health, leading to Truman’s unprepared succession.

• Impact on the Cold War:
  [34:43] The lack of a prepared successor contributed to the strained relationship between Truman and Stalin, influencing the onset of the Cold War.

Conclusion and Insights

"FDR & Stalin" offers a comprehensive exploration of the delicate and strategic relationship between two of World War II's most influential leaders. Through Professor O'Brien's expert analysis, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the personal and political maneuvers that shaped the Allied strategy and laid the groundwork for the post-war world. The episode underscores the complexities of wartime diplomacy, the interplay of personal relationships and political pragmatism, and the enduring consequences of leadership decisions on global history.

Notable Quotes:

• "Roosevelt is a very charming man... he had a way of making you think he liked you, I would argue, far more than he really did."
  — Phillips O'Brien [05:56]

• "Stalin remains suspicious... a temporary friend. Allies to win the war and that was it."
  — Phillips O'Brien [07:16]

• "Roosevelt's decision to run for reelection in 1944 is super hubris and it's irresponsible."
  — Phillips O'Brien [34:28]

About the Episode:
In this insightful episode of American History Hit, Don Wildman and Professor Phillips O'Brien dissect the strategic relationship between FDR and Stalin, focusing on the Tehran Conference and its lasting impact on World War II and subsequent global politics.

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