The Cold War: The Yalta Conference - Episode 2

Summary

This video explores the Yalta Conference of February 1945, held as World War II was nearing its end. The leaders of the US, UK, and the USSR—Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin—met to discuss post-war Europe, focusing on Germany's division, the formation of the United Nations, and the future of Eastern Europe. The conference solidified the division of Europe into spheres of influence, with Stalin securing a communist presence in Eastern Europe, especially in Poland. While agreements were made, tensions among the Allies, particularly regarding Soviet expansion, foreshadowed the beginning of the Cold War.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Yalta Conference took place in February 1945, as WWII neared its end, with Germany on the verge of defeat but the war against Japan still ongoing.
• 😀 The 'Big Three' leaders—Churchill (UK), Roosevelt (USA), and Stalin (USSR)—met to discuss the post-war world order and their shared goal of defeating Germany.
• 😀 Despite their alliance, the Yalta Conference revealed underlying tensions among the Allies, with each leader pursuing their own strategic objectives.
• 😀 Roosevelt wanted a strong international peacekeeping organization (UN), national self-determination in Europe, and Soviet aid in the war against Japan.
• 😀 Churchill sought to protect British interests, especially in Eastern Europe, and feared Soviet expansion, leading to his 'Percentage Agreement' with Stalin.
• 😀 Stalin aimed to strengthen Soviet security by establishing a buffer zone in Eastern Europe, keeping Germany weak, and solidifying Soviet influence in Poland.
• 😀 The major outcome of the Yalta Conference was the division of Germany and Berlin into four zones of occupation, controlled by the USA, UK, USSR, and France.
• 😀 The leaders agreed to establish the United Nations (UN) as a global peacekeeping body, with the USSR playing a significant role.
• 😀 Poland's territorial shifts were decided, with Poland gaining land from Germany and the USSR gaining territories, while Stalin promised free elections in Eastern Europe (which he later violated).
• 😀 Tensions over the future of Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, arose, as Stalin installed a pro-communist government in Poland, which led to criticism from the West.
• 😀 The Yalta agreements set the stage for future Cold War tensions, with the Western Allies conceding significant influence to the USSR, which later fueled divisions in Europe.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the Yalta Conference in February 1945?

The Yalta Conference aimed to discuss and decide on the post-war world order, particularly focusing on the division of Germany, the establishment of the United Nations, and the Soviet Union's role in Europe. It also addressed territorial changes and security concerns, as World War II was nearing its conclusion.

How was Germany divided after the Yalta Conference?

Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. Berlin, the capital, was also divided into four sectors, despite being located in the Soviet-controlled zone.

What were Roosevelt and Churchill’s shared objectives at the Yalta Conference?

Roosevelt and Churchill both sought to promote collective security through the United Nations, ensure national self-determination, and rebuild Germany as a democratic nation. They also hoped for Soviet cooperation in the war against Japan.

What were Stalin’s primary objectives at the Yalta Conference?

Stalin’s primary objectives were to secure Soviet influence in Eastern Europe through spheres of influence, maintain a weak Germany to prevent future threats, and ensure a pro-Soviet government in Poland.

What was the 'percentage agreement' between Churchill and Stalin?

The percentage agreement was a secret agreement between Churchill and Stalin in 1944 that divided Eastern European countries into spheres of influence. For example, Stalin was given 90% control over Romania, while Britain had 90% influence in Greece.

What was the significance of the free elections promise made by Stalin?

Stalin promised to allow free elections in Eastern Europe, but this promise was not fully kept. Instead, the Soviet Union manipulated elections and installed pro-Soviet governments in many Eastern European countries, leading to increased tensions with the West.

How did the Yalta Conference impact Poland?

At Yalta, it was agreed that Poland would have its borders shifted, with the USSR gaining land in the east and Poland expanding westward at the expense of Germany. Stalin also ensured the dominance of the pro-communist Lublin government, despite the presence of a Polish government in exile in London.

Why was Churchill suspicious of Stalin’s intentions in Eastern Europe?

Churchill was suspicious of Stalin because he believed that Stalin wanted to expand Soviet power across all of Europe. This led Churchill to seek a close alliance with the United States to counter Soviet expansion, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

What was the main criticism of the Yalta Conference outcomes regarding Eastern Europe?

The main criticism was that the Yalta Conference effectively 'sold out' Eastern European nations to Soviet control. The Western powers, particularly the U.S. and U.K., were seen as allowing Stalin to dominate the region, undermining promises of free elections and self-determination.

What long-term consequences did the Yalta Conference have for Europe?

The Yalta Conference laid the groundwork for the Cold War by dividing Europe into two spheres of influence: the Soviet-dominated East and the U.S.-dominated West. It contributed to the tension and mistrust between the Soviet Union and the Western powers, which led to decades of conflict and division.