The geopolitical landscape following World War II was largely dictated by agreements made among the ‘Big Three’ leaders. Which conference, held in February 1945, is most directly criticized by historians as having prematurely formalized Soviet dominance over Eastern European spheres of influence, thus setting the stage for the Cold War?

💡 Explanation:

The Yalta Conference (February 1945) brought together Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. While ostensibly aimed at coordinating the final defeat of Nazi Germany and planning the post-war structure, the agreements concerning the future of Poland and the division of Germany effectively confirmed Soviet military control over Eastern Europe. Critics argue that Roosevelt and Churchill conceded too much to Stalin at Yalta, legitimizing the spheres of influence that would become the Iron Curtain. Potsdam (A) dealt with immediate post-war administration and punitive measures, but Yalta established the initial framework for division.