Teheran Conference 28 th Nov – 1 st Dec 1943: Who: Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt Context: Stalin was angry with GB and USA for not opening a ‘second front’ against the Nazis. He believed they were waiting for the Soviet Union to be weakened to avoid being a threat post war. Agreements: The Allies would open a second front by June Roosevelt was the main driving force behind this decision. The USSR would declare war on Japan once Germany was defeated. Poland would gain land from Germany but lose some to the USSR. Disagreements: Roosevelt often sided with Stalin not Churchill. Churchill wanted to invade Europe via the Balkans. He hoped this would halt the advance of the USSR (and therefore the spread of Communism). Both Stalin and Roosevelt argued against this proposal. Stalin and Roosevelt argued in favour of an attack in the West – both were concerned multiple attacks would weaken the Allies impact.

The Yalta Conference 4 th -11 th Feb 1945 Who: Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin. Agreements: Germany would be reduced in size, demilitarised and would have to pay reparations Germany would be split into different areas of occupation. All post war rebuilding would be done in conjunction with the Atlantic Charter of 1941 which stated all countries could choose their own governments (self determination). The Nazi Party would be banned and war criminal would be tired via international courts. The UN would replace the disgraced League of Nations. It would meet for the first time on 25 th April All the Allies would become members along with those countries who agreed to join before 8 th Feb 1945 ( including the Soviet Republics of Ukraine and Belorussia who were viewed as independent). The USSR would declare war on Japan within 3 months of defeating Germany. There were discussion on how to divide Japanese occupied areas. Poland would be in the Soviet ‘sphere of influence’ but be run on a ‘broader democratic basis’. The success of the conference = the relationship between Stalin and Roosevelt. The American president also worked well with Churchill. Disagreements: Britain and USA = becoming reluctant in allowing Poland to be Communist (GB had entered the war to defend this nation!). USA – wanted to avoid the spread of Communism and did not want to offend the large Polish groups within the USA. Stalin = desperate to use Poland to create a ‘buffer’ between the Soviet Union and the hostile West (they had already been invaded through Poland 3 times that century!)

Signs of tension: Who: Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt Context: Despite the apparent ‘unity’ there were growing issues that were causing divisions among the ‘Big 3’. Agreement: They all agreed to work for democracy. Disagreement: Stalin and democracy = had to be a communist government as this was the only form that truly represented the working class. Roosevelt and democracy = had to involve a number of political parties that contested in free elections. However within 2 months of Yalta Roosevelt died. He was replaced by Harry S Truman a committed anti Communist who was less willing to deal with Stalin. THIS MEANT INCREASED TENSIONS FOR THE NEXT MEETING…

Potsdam Conference July - August 1945 Who: Churchill, Stalin, Truman. Context: There was far more tension than in previous meetings. Truman had no relationship with Stalin and both were hostile to each. To make matters worse Churchill was replaced by Attlee as a result of the UK election. Combined with this Truman delayed the start of the conference until the atomic bomb had been tested. Stalin was not told anything about these developments and this only increased tension. Crucially = Germany had been defeated. The main cause for unity was now gone! Agreements: The setting up of a Council of Foreign Ministers to organise the re building of Europe. Ban the Nazi Party and prosecute Nazi war criminals at a special court at Nuremburg. Reduce the size of Germany. Divide Germany into 4 zones to be administered by the USA, GB. France and the USSR with the aim of re uniting it under one government as soon as possible. Divide Berlin into four sectors. USSR was to be given ¼ of all industrial equipment from the three other zones as theirs was the least developed. However the USSR would have to provide raw materials for the other allies. Disagreements: Reparations – USSR wanted to impose heavy reparations, whereas USA wanted to rebuild. It was decided that each country could take reparations from their areas. Stalin was furious as USSR’s zone was the least developed. The Western powers agreed to had over industrial equipment. Poland – Stalin had agreed to set up a government in Poland that would contain both Communist and capitalists. However by Potsdam it was clear he’d broken his promise. This further damaged relations between Truman and Stalin that some feared would lead to war. Greece – after the German retreat in 1944 two groups the Communists and monarchist fought for control of the country. The British went in to support the monarchist in 1945 and Stalin complained to the UN and civil war erupted. When the British pulled out in 1947 the USA stepped in to support the monarchist government.

The Atomic Bomb: Who: Stalin, Truman and Churchill Context: These tests provided the backdrop to the Potsdam Conference. Details: Truman attempted to assert his authority during the conference through the development of the atomic bomb. He believed that the USA now held the ultimate weapon. Truman felt the A Bomb was his ‘master card’ – he could now destroy entire cities without endangering a single American life. However Stalin refused to be pushed around – he’d instructed Soviet scientists to develop their own bomb as early as When informed of America’s development he ‘showed no special interest’. However news of the atomic bomb made Stalin more determined than ever to create a ‘buffer zone’ to save the USSR.

Name of Conference: Who:AgreementsDisagreementsWho was to blame?

Key Question to consider: Who was responsible for the outbreak of the Cold War?