During the Second World War, the "Big Three"—the USSR, the USA, and Great Britain—held three major conferences involving their heads of government: Joseph Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt (succeeded by Harry Truman at Potsdam), and Winston Churchill. These meetings were pivotal in coordinating military strategy and shaping the post-war world order. 1. Tehran Conference Dates: November 28 – December 1, 1943 Participants: Stalin (USSR), Roosevelt (USA), Churchill (UK) This was the first meeting of the "Big Three." The primary focus was on military operations to conclude the war in Europe.
- Main Issues Decided:
- The Second Front: The Allies committed to launching Operation Overlord (the invasion of Normandy) in May 1944.
- War with Japan: Stalin agreed in principle that the USSR would enter the war against Japan after Germany's defeat.
- Post-war Peace: Early discussions began regarding the creation of an international security organization (the future UN).
- Territorial Questions:
- Poland: It was tentatively agreed that Poland's eastern border would follow the Curzon Line, and in exchange, Poland would receive territorial compensation in the west from Germany.
- Germany: Preliminary discussions were held regarding the possible partition of Germany after the war.
2. Yalta (Crimean) Conference Dates: February 4 – 11, 1945 Participants: Stalin (USSR), Roosevelt (USA), Churchill (UK) Held when the defeat of Nazi Germany was imminent, this conference focused on the post-war reorganization of Europe.
- Main Issues Decided:
- Occupation Zones: Germany and Berlin were to be divided into four zones of occupation (USSR, USA, UK, and France).
- Demilitarization: The decision was made to completely disarm, demilitarize, and "denazify" Germany.
- United Nations: The Allies agreed on the voting structure for the UN Security Council, including the "veto" power.
- Declaration on Liberated Europe: A pledge to allow liberated peoples to create democratic institutions of their choice.
- Territorial Questions:
- Poland: The Curzon Line was confirmed as the eastern border. The provisional government was to be reorganized on a broader democratic basis.
- Far East: In a secret agreement, the USSR committed to entering the war against Japan 2-3 months after Germany's surrender. In return, the USSR was promised the Kurile Islands and the southern part of Sakhalin Island.
3. Potsdam (Berlin) Conference Dates: July 17 – August 2, 1945 Participants: Stalin (USSR), Truman (USA), Churchill/Attlee (UK) This was the final meeting, held after Germany's unconditional surrender but before the end of the war with Japan.
- Main Issues Decided:
- The "Four Ds": Explicit plans for the Demilitarization, Denazification, Democratization, and Decentralization of Germany.
- Reparations: It was agreed that each power would take reparations primarily from its own occupation zone.
- Council of Foreign Ministers: Established to draft peace treaties with Germany's former allies (Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Finland).
- Territorial Questions:
- The Oder-Neisse Line: This was established as the new provisional border between Germany and Poland, effectively moving Poland's western border significantly to the west.
- East Prussia: The city of Königsberg (now Kaliningrad) and the adjacent area were transferred to the Soviet Union.
- Population Transfers: The Allies agreed to the "orderly and humane" transfer of German populations from Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary.
Summary Table of Territorial Changes
| Region | Decision |
|---|---|
| Poland (East) | Border shifted west to the Curzon Line (territory joined USSR). |
| Poland (West) | Border shifted west to the Oder-Neisse Line (territory taken from Germany). |
| East Prussia | Divided between Poland and the USSR (Königsberg became Soviet). |
| Far East | South Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands transferred to the USSR. |
| Germany | Divided into four occupation zones; lost 25% of its 1937 territory. |
Would you like me to prepare a more detailed analysis of the specific agreements regarding the reparations and the Nuremberg Trials established at these conferences?