The Yalta and Potsdam conferences

What was the Yalta Conference?

The second conference between the USA, Britain, and the Soviet Union, held in February 1945.

What was the Declaration of Liberated Europe?

An agreement designed by the Grand Alliance to aid the countries liberated from Nazi control. They would help the countries hold free elections and allow them to set up democratic governments.

What was agreed about German reparations at Yalta?

Stalin wanted Germany to pay $20bn in reparations, but it was agreed that no monetary reparations would be paid; instead, the members of the Alliance would each run parts of Germany.

What was agreed about Germany’s army at Yalta?

Germany’s army would be banned, known as demilitarisation.

What was agreed regarding Nazi war criminals at Yalta?

Nazi war criminals would be tried in courts of law.

What did Britain and America push for in Eastern Europe at Yalta?

They pushed for free and democratic elections in Eastern Europe.

What was agreed instead of democratic and free elections and why? Also, what did Stalin end up doing that betrayed the agreement?

The Soviet Union was not keen, and it was agreed that Poland could exist in a 'Soviet sphere of influence'. However, Stalin ended up rigging the elections in Poland and making it a communist state.

What was the problem about the Soviet Union making Poland a pro-communist government? (Happened after Yalta and mentioned in Potsdam conference)

the installation of a pro-communist government in Poland was considered a violation of the Yalta agreement.

What was the significance of the Soviet sphere of influence?

It would cause problems for decades to come in the Cold War.

What international organisation was set up at Yalta?

The United Nations.

When was the Potsdam Conference held?

July–August 1945, after Germany’s defeat in May and before Japan’s defeat in August.

Who were the leaders at the Potsdam Conference?

Harry S. Truman (replacing Roosevelt) and Clement Attlee (replacing Churchill) attended with Stalin.

How did Truman differ from Roosevelt regarding the USSR?

Truman was more reluctant to compromise with the USSR.

Why did the Soviets receive ¼ of all output from the Western zones and output from its own zone?

It was as compensation for not getting reparations.

What was agreed about Nazi Germany (party and war criminals) at Potsdam?

The Nazi Party was banned, and war criminals would be prosecuted in court.

What was the purpose of the Council of Foreign Ministers?

To accelerate the recovery of Europe and make peace settlements with Nazi allies like Italy, Bulgaria, and Finland.

How was Berlin and Germany divided after the war?

Berlin and Germany were divided between the Grand Alliance powers into four parts

What did Truman want for Eastern Europe after the war?

Free, democratic elections in countries ‘liberated’ by the Soviet Union.

How did Stalin feel about Truman’s demand for elections in Eastern Europe?

Stalin was not keen

Which Polish Communists were influential and supported by the Soviet Union?

Gomułka and Bierut.