Discussion
How did Josef Stalin understand and shape the partnership with the western Allies (Great Britain and the US)? What did Stalin and the Soviets hope to get out their "allies" and how did they pursue these goals? What issues and concerns shaped Soviet military and diplomatic policy in this regard? What did they demand in return for staying in the fight against Hitler and the Nazis? What did they receive? In your opinion, who held the better strategic position among the major Allied powers, and why?