Yalta Conference Overview

Major World War II Conferences

• The Yalta Conference was one of the three major World War II conferences discussing the post-war world.
• Participants were the heads of government from the United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union.

Historical Background

• Occurred near the end of World War II, with the Allies on the brink of victory.
• The "Big Three" (United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union) formed the Grand Alliance against the Axis Powers.
• Key leaders: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin.

Previous Conferences

• Tehran Conference (Eureka): First gathering of the Big Three in November 1943.
  • Discussed strategies to defeat Nazi Germany.
  • Agreed on Operation Overlord (invasion of Normandy) set for June 1944.
  • Stalin promised support in the Pacific War against Japan after Germany's defeat.

The Yalta Conference Details

• Took place in February 1945 in Yalta, Crimea, then part of the Soviet Union (now Ukraine).
• Focused on reorganizing Germany and creating post-war peace in Europe.
• France and Belgium had been liberated at the time of the conference.

Key Outcomes

• Division of Germany: Germany split into four occupation zones by the U.S., Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.
  • Berlin also divided into four zones.
• Post-War Reparations and Policies:
  • Germany to undergo demilitarization and denazification.
  • Removal of Nazi Party members from power.
• Declaration of Liberated Europe:
  • Allowed European nations to establish democratic institutions.
• Poland's Status:
  • Free elections promised but Stalin did not return territory annexed in 1939.
  • Used the Curzon Line as Poland’s border, keeping territories within USSR’s sphere.
• Soviet Commitments:
  • Agreed to join the war against Japan.
  • Committed to United Nations participation.

Impacts of the Yalta Conference

• Post-conference tensions arose over European issues.
• Roosevelt faced criticism for Stalin’s non-compliance on Poland’s political freedom.
• Animosity led to mistrust, signaling the end of the Grand Alliance.
• In March 1946, Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech marked the start of the Cold War.

Additional Notes

• These conferences significantly shaped the post-war world and the onset of the Cold War.