Washington Conference (1941-1942)

• Question: What happened during the Washington Conference (1941-1942) and what was its impact?

• Answer: The Washington Conference established that the Allies would prioritize defeating Germany before focusing on Japan, pooling Anglo-American military resources under one command. The USSR was not included due to its focus on the Eastern Front, and this laid the groundwork for ongoing Anglo-American cooperation. The Declaration of the United Nations was issued, binding Allies to remain united until the Axis powers were defeated. The exclusion of the USSR foreshadowed future tensions, but this conference marked the most unified military effort between the U.S. and the U.K.

Casablanca Conference (January 1943)

Question: What happened during the Casablanca Conference and what was its impact?

Answer: The Casablanca Conference resulted in the policy of unconditional surrender for Germany, Italy, and Japan, prolonging the war as Axis powers were forced to fight to the end. Plans to invade Sicily were finalized, delaying the opening of the Second Front in France, straining U.S.-Soviet relations. A combined bomber offensive against Germany, Operation Pointblank, was launched. Roosevelt’s decision to announce unconditional surrender without consulting Churchill showed the U.S.'s growing influence, and this policy shaped the post-war occupation and division of Axis powers.

Quebec Conference (August 1943)

Question: What happened during the Quebec Conference and what was its impact?

Answer: At the Quebec Conference, the Allies decided to intensify the war in the Pacific and increase support for partisans in the Balkans, while launching an invasion of Italy. The conference also set in motion Operation Overlord for a 1944 invasion of France, with the U.S. taking command of the operation, signifying a shift in Allied power towards the U.S. The decision to invade Italy prolonged the war on that front, tying down Allied forces and giving Germany time to reinforce. This further delayed the Second Front in France, creating more tension with the USSR.

Tehran Conference (November-December 1943)

Question: What happened during the Tehran Conference and what was its impact?

Answer: The Tehran Conference was the first meeting between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, during which they confirmed the launch of Operation Overlord in 1944, finally setting a date for the Second Front. The leaders discussed dividing Germany into smaller states post-war, with Stalin insisting on permanent Allied occupation. Stalin rejected an Allied push through the Balkans, focusing instead on Eastern Europe. The conference also laid the foundation for the United Nations. Tehran marked a significant shift in cooperation, with Stalin's influence on post-war planning growing and Roosevelt prioritizing improved U.S.-Soviet relations.

Cairo Conference (November 1943)

Question: What happened during the Cairo Conference and what was its impact?

Answer: The Cairo Conference was a meeting between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Chiang Kai-Shek, where they issued the Cairo Declaration, committing to strip Japan of its pre-war and wartime conquests and reaffirming support for China as an Allied power. This conference solidified China’s role in the war and established it as a counterbalance to Soviet influence in Asia. It also reflected the growing importance of the Pacific War for the Allies, particularly the U.S., as it shaped the post-war balance of power in Asia.

Quebec Conference II (September 1944)

Question: What happened during the second Quebec Conference and what was its impact?

Answer: The second Quebec Conference focused on the detailed planning of Operation Overlord, the invasion of France, which was to be led by U.S. forces. The Allies also discussed the bombing of German cities, increased coordination on nuclear technology, and the Morgenthau Plan, which proposed the de-industrialization of Germany. While the Morgenthau Plan was ultimately abandoned, the conference highlighted growing U.S. dominance in Allied decision-making, as Roosevelt’s influence grew and preparations for post-war Europe began.

Yalta Conference (February 1945)

Question: What happened during the Yalta Conference and what was its impact?

Answer: The Yalta Conference was pivotal in shaping post-war Europe. The Allies agreed to divide Germany into four occupation zones and Stalin promised to join the war against Japan. They also discussed the fate of Eastern Europe, with Stalin gaining control over Poland and much of Eastern Europe, causing tension over self-determination. The framework for the United Nations was agreed upon, laying the groundwork for future international cooperation. Yalta cemented Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe and laid the foundation for Cold War tensions.

Potsdam Conference (July-August 1945)

Question: What happened during the Potsdam Conference and what was its impact?

Answer: The Potsdam Conference finalized decisions on the occupation and administration of post-war Germany, confirming the division into four occupation zones and the dismantling of its military capabilities. The Potsdam Declaration was issued, calling for Japan’s unconditional surrender, with the implied threat of atomic weapons. Potsdam also revealed deepening divisions between the Allies, particularly over Soviet actions in Eastern Europe, which would soon contribute to the start of the Cold War.