The Yalta Conference
"The Big Three", consisting of the United States represented by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Great Britain represented by Winston Churchill, and the Soviet Union represented by Joseph Stalin, met in the town of Yalta at what would become known as the Yalta Conference on February 4th-11th, 1945 to discuss many aspects of the time. Among the the topics they discussed were: the division of Germany, the formation of the United Nations, Germany's war reparations, the entry of Soviet forces into the Far-Eastern front (Japan), and the very important future of Poland.
First they discussed how they would divide Germany, which was undecided. Next they approached the topic of forming the United Nations. It was decided that United Nations would have a security council with its members being the United States, Great Britain, China, the Soviet Union, Ukraine, and Belorussia. When discussing Germany's war reparations, arguments between Stalin and Churchill rises, so it was decided to leave that matter in the hands of a reparation committee. Moving to the next topic, Stalin agreed to enter the war with Japan on the side of the allies. In return, Roosevelt promised Stalin certain strategic lands. |
Finally, the most difficult item on the list was discussed, the future of Poland. Stalin wanted Poland under the Soviet Union's control, but Roosevelt and Churchill were opposed. Churchill wanted Poland under British control. Neither side budged. Eventually, Stalin promised to hold free elections during the month. From this point forward, relations between the Soviet Union and Western Powers deteriorated.
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