Q&A ยท 3:43:31-3:44:02

Why continue the war against the Soviet Union?

Opposition to Soviet-imposed one-party states offers a possible motive, but the Japanese war and unwillingness to keep fighting weigh against it.

Question

Why would the Western Allies attack the Soviets after defeating Germany?

Short answer

Opposition to Soviet-imposed one-party states offers a possible motive, but the Japanese war and unwillingness to keep fighting weigh against it.

Notes

Opposition to the one-party states developing in the Soviet sphere provides a possible ideological motive for a further war. The scenario depends on the Western Allies placing enough weight on that objection to keep fighting. They also have an unfinished war against Japan and other commitments. War-weariness weighs heavily against prolonging another massive conflict.