Potsdam Conference begins, July 17, 1945
It is the first time that the new Big Three, of Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin, are meeting since the death of Franklin Roosevelt. Though the agenda is the administration of post-war Germany, Truman wants a private word with Stalin. “We have developed a new bomb far more destructive than any known bomb,” Truman says. Stalin’s face is impassive. He knows all about the atomic bomb, thanks to his extensive global intelligence network. “I’m glad to hear it,” the Russian responds. “I hope you make good use of it against the Japanese.”