On February 11, 1945, World War II’s Yalta Conference ended following a week of bargaining between the major powers of the Allies.

On February 11, 1945, World War II’s Yalta Conference ended following a week of bargaining between the major powers of the Allies.

Known as the “Big Three,” Joseph Stalin of Russia, Winston Churchill of Great Britain, and Franklin Roosevelt of the United States had met earlier in the war in what was known as the Tehran Conference. The three had mainly discussed their combined strategy for defeating the Axis powers as soon as possible. 

The conference at Yalta featured a much different discussion. At this point in the war, all were well aware that Germany’s downfall was close at hand.

Administration of formerly German-occupied countries and control over specific parts of Germany following that nation’s defeat were the main topics discussed.

Also, a framework for the future United Nations was laid, and Russia agreed, now that Germany appeared to be on its heels, to enter the war in the Pacific against the Japanese as soon as possible. 

Sadly, this would be President Roosevelt’s last conference. The lengthy trip to the remote black sea resort town of Yalta took its toll on President Roosevelt. He was greatly weakened by the time he finally returned to America.

A few months later, on April 12, 1945, Roosevelt complained of a horrible headache. Eventually he fell unconscious, dying that day from a cerebral hemorrhage. At the Potsdam Conference of July 1945, his place would be taken by Harry Truman.