The Yalta Conference in February 1945 established the division of Europe into spheres of influence, creating tensions as it left Eastern Europe predominantly under Soviet control, contradicting the principles of self-determination. The subsequent Potsdam Conference in July-August 1945 further intensified these tensions, as disagreements over post-war reparations and territorial adjustments revealed growing mistrust between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies. The differing visions for Europe’s future, particularly regarding Germany's fate, solidified the divide that would lead to the Cold War. These conferences highlighted the ideological rift and set the stage for the geopolitical conflicts that followed.
Freely elected governments
allowing free elections in eastern Europe
At the Potsdam conference (I think)
The purpose of the Potsdam Conference, held August 2, 1945, was to decide punishment for Germany and how to pick the pieces up in Europe after World War II. It is sometimes referred to as the Berlin Conference of the Three Heads of Government of the USSR, USA and UK.
Winston Churchill left the Potsdam Conference on July 26, 1945, after losing the British general election. He was replaced by Clement Attlee, who took over as Prime Minister. The conference, which was held to negotiate terms for the post-war order in Europe, continued without him until August 2, 1945.
to decide the terms boundaries of post war europe
From Stalin, whose troops occupied most of Eastern Europe, Truman demanded that free elections be held in those countries. Unfortunately, the Soviets controlled the governments and ensured that communist puppet parties gained power, leading to the Warsaw Pact and Russian hegemony.
The Soviet Union is often cited as having violated the agreements made during the Potsdam Conference, particularly regarding the treatment of Eastern European countries after World War II. The Soviets established communist governments in these nations, undermining the principles of self-determination and democratic governance that were discussed at Potsdam. This led to increased tensions during the Cold War and the eventual division of Europe into Eastern and Western blocs.
The "Big 3", known as Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt (and other allies) met at Casablanca and Yalta and Potsdam to plan and discuss matters concerning the war.
The Potsdam Conference was held at Cecilienhof, the home of Crown Prince Wilhelm Hohenzollern, in Potsdam, occupied Germany, from 17 July to 2 August 1945. Harry Truman, Joseph Stalin, and Winston met at the conference. The surrender of Japan brought hostilities in World War II to a close. In the conference the topics were, European peace settlements, the administration of defeated Germany, the demarcation of the boundaries of Poland, the occupation of Austria, the definition of the Soviet Union's role in eastern Europe, the determination of reparations, and the further prosecution of the war against Japan.
The Potsdam Conference, held in July-August 1945, aimed to address the post-World War II order in Europe and the management of defeated Germany. The leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union gathered to negotiate terms for the occupation and reconstruction of Germany, establish post-war borders, and discuss issues related to Japan's surrender. It was crucial for determining the geopolitical landscape of Europe and setting the stage for the Cold War. The conference also aimed to resolve disagreements that had surfaced since the Yalta Conference earlier in the year.
The Potsdam Conference, held from July to August 1945, aimed to address post-World War II Europe and establish order. The leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union agreed on key issues such as the division of Germany into four occupation zones, reparations, and the prosecution of war criminals. Additionally, the conference sought to outline the framework for the post-war reconstruction of Europe and the establishment of democratic governments in liberated nations, although tensions between the Allies foreshadowed the Cold War.