The Yalta Conference, held in February 1945, was a pivotal moment in the history of the Second World War. The leaders of the Allied powers, Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin, came together to discuss the post-war world order and the defeat of Nazi Germany. In this article, we will examine the main agreements made at the Yalta Conference.
The first and arguably the most important agreement was the decision to divide Germany into four occupation zones, with each occupied by one of the four major Allied powers. This division was intended to prevent Germany from ever again becoming a threat to Europe. Additionally, it was decided that Berlin, which lay completely within the Soviet occupation zone, would also be divided into four occupation zones.
Another key agreement made at Yalta was the creation of the United Nations. The Allied leaders agreed that the UN would be established to maintain international peace and security, promote economic and social cooperation, and protect human rights. This agreement was a significant milestone in international relations, as the UN remains a vital multilateral institution to this day.
The Yalta Conference also saw the discussion of the Soviet Union`s entry into the war against Japan. Stalin agreed to declare war on Japan within three months of Germany`s surrender. In return, the Soviet Union would receive territorial concessions and the right to occupy Japanese-held territories in Manchuria. This agreement paved the way for the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific Theater.
Another important agreement made at Yalta was the promise to hold free elections in the countries liberated from Nazi Germany. However, this promise was not upheld as the Soviet Union occupied and installed Communist governments in many of these countries, leading to the onset of the Cold War.
Finally, the leaders agreed on the punishment of German war criminals. Nazi leaders were to be tried and punished for crimes against humanity, and other war crimes. This agreement led to the Nuremberg Trials, which were held from 1945 to 1949 and resulted in the conviction and punishment of many high-ranking Nazi officials.
In conclusion, the Yalta Conference was a significant event in the history of the Second World War, and its agreements shaped the post-war world order. The division of Germany, the creation of the United Nations, the Soviet Union`s entry into the war against Japan, the promise of free elections, and the punishment of German war criminals were among the key decisions made at Yalta. Understanding the agreements made at Yalta is crucial to understanding the post-war world and the onset of the Cold War.