Critical Assessment, 1945

Throughout this period, the Canadians maintained their fluctuating estimation of the Soviets, but introduced analytical appraisals of US policy and strategy. 1945 saw the end of World War Two and President Harry Truman’s rise to power, key events in deciding the United States’ approach as the postwar order began to emerge. The Canadians had grown closer to the United States during the war, and Britain’s decline in power left serious decisions to be made. The Canadians were suspicious and judgemental of the “tough school” as they began to weigh their options.