The three powers meeting, Germany’s fate decided at Crimea Conference

This short sequence is essentially a photo opportunity for the leaders at the Yalta Conference. The three leaders enter the courtyard and sit down together. It seems there is much cheerful chat between them. Roosevelt’s ill health is clearly evident. Towards the end of the war the leaders of the Big Three powers Churchill (Britain), Roosevelt (USA) and Stalin (USSR) met in Teheran in 1943 and then here in Yalta in February 1945. Their aim was to discuss what would happen to Europe once the conflict was over. Clearly, the film is trying to convey the sense of unity and friendship between the Big Three. However, we know that behind the scenes it was not always so friendly. By the time the Big Three next met, Roosevelt had died and was replaced by Truman and Churchill faced possible electoral defeat at home.

Channel: UK National Archives Video Length: 38s Date Found: Sun, Apr 06 2008 9:17 AM Category: History Date Produced: View Count: 28