Empire 261. Race To Berlin 1945: A Devastated City Divided (Ep 1)
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Jun 4, 2025 Join historian and author Giles Milton, known for his book on the Cold War, as he delves into life in post-WWII Berlin. Discover the chaotic aftermath of the Soviet advance and the hardships faced by civilians amidst rampant looting. Giles uncovers the moral complexities of survival in a devastated city and contrasts the lifestyles of Berlin residents with those of Allied soldiers. He also reveals the eccentric leaders navigating this turbulent time, and discusses the challenging process of denazification and the tensions of the Potsdam Conference.
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Yalta's Flimsy Unity Exposed
- The Yalta conference showed the West was divided and naive about Stalin's political skill.
- Stalin exploited their division, securing Eastern Europe before the war's end.
Eisenhower's Strategic Shift
- Eisenhower shifted Allied goals from capturing Berlin to defeating German forces.
- This allowed the Soviets to swiftly take Berlin, influencing post-war control.
Soviet Looting in Berlin
- Soviet troops looted Berlin extensively, taking even household taps.
- These spoils were sent back to poor Soviet villages, showing stark contrasts.
