The convergence of the Allied armies across the wreckage of the Third Reich was accompanied by a surge of governmental idealism. In Washington, officials went about their daily business but the perception of grand events – of immense evil vanquished, of extraordinary opportunities being born – infected even the most prosaic. At this emotional juncture, much of the hopefulness and yearning for world peace was focused on the U.S.-Soviet relationship. Despite new tensions over Poland, the aspiration for friendship was overriding. Russian assistance was still needed to finish the war in the Pacific, but the more profound concern was to prevent future great power rivalry. Twice in the twentieth century, this had led to calamitous conflagrations. Whatever the shortcomings of the Soviet regime – its totalitarian polity, its collectivist economy – it was emerging as the second strongest nation in the world, creating an imperative for accord.