Despite their wartime alliance, tensions between the leaders escalated as they discussed the reorganization of Europe. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin each had differing visions for rebuilding the continent. Roosevelt sought Soviet participation in the United Nations and assistance in the Pacific War, while Churchill advocated for democratic elections in Central and Eastern Europe. Stalin aimed to establish a Soviet sphere of influence in these regions to create a buffer zone against Western capitalism.
Key outcomes of the Yalta Conference included the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, the division of Germany and Berlin into four occupation zones, and the reorganization of Poland under a communist government. Stalin's actions in Poland, despite promises of free elections, led to the strengthening of communist rule through the manipulation of elections and the suppression of opposition.