The yalta conference
InformationThe Yalta Conference took place in Russia on February 4-11, 1945. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin met to make vital decisions regarding the future progress of the war and the postwar world. Many decisions were made including the future of Germany, Eastern Europe, and the United Nations. In addition, FDR and Churchill discussed with Stalin the conditions under which the Soviet Union would enter the war against Japan and in exchange the Soviets would be granted a sphere of influence in Manchuria after Japan's surrender.
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Agreements |
The negotiators agreed to include France in the government of Germany. Also, it was agreed that Germany should assume some of the responsibility for reparation following the war. Furthermore, Eastern Europeans bordering the Soviet Union should be "friendly" to the Soviet regime. The Soviets then pledged to allow free elections in all territories liberated from Nazi Germany. As for the United Nations, they agreed on the American Plan by expanding it to five permanent members. Finally, a declaration of Poland was imposed, providing for the inclusion of communists in the postwar national government.
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Analysis |
The initial reaction of the conference was celebratory. Roosevelt and Americans even viewed it as proof that peace would remain between the spirits of the United States and the Soviets during the postwar period. However, this was short lived. Following the death of FDR on April 12, 1945, Harry S. Truman took over. As a result, the new administration clashed with the Soviets over its interest in Eastern Europe and the UN. Americans now criticized FDR's handling of Yalta. Now, present day historians understand why his detractors accused him of "handing over" Eastern Europe and Northeast Asia to the Soviet Union, even though the Soviets did end up making substantial concessions.
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