World War II Conferences & The World War II Conferences & The Results of World War IIResults of World War II

The Beginnings of the UN, the Cold The Beginnings of the UN, the Cold War, and International TradeWar, and International Trade

Atlantic Charter Aug. 1941

Accomplished

• Post war world.

• “…all men in all lands may live out their lives in freedom from fear and want.”

• A system of “general security” (collective).

Casablanca Conference Jan. 1943

Accomplished

• Unconditional surrender of the Axis Powers.

Cairo Conference Nov. 1943

Accomplished

• Unconditional surrender of Japan.

• Chiang Kai-shek, Nationalist China leader (head of Kumintang).

• Independence of Korea.

Teheran Conference Dec. 1943

Accomplished

• Allied plans against Germany

• First for Big Three

• Soviet involvement against Japan.

• Iran’s independence.

Yalta Conference Feb. 1945

Accomplished

• European stability.

• Division of Germany.

• Prosecution of criminals

• Poland.

• UN.

• USSR against Japan.

Potsdam Conference July, 1945

Accomplished

• Atlee and Truman are new.

• Four power control over Germany.

• Disagreements over “spheres of influence”.

• Disagreements over Polish question, fate of Germany.

• Cold War begins.

Results of World War II

• Political:– End of fascism, but still in Spain & Portugal – Bipolar world– Territorial changes:

• Russia gains• Japan loses (occupied by USA)• Italy loses• Germany divided (occupied by four powers)• Austria divided (as Germany) 1955 made whole

– Cold War starts:• Western allies demobilize in Europe, but

• Soviets become an army of occupation not liberation

– UN created.

• Economic Results:– Huge cost– Economic cooperation:

• EEC

• GATT/WTO/World Bank (Dumbarton Oaks)

• Comecon (Eastern Bloc)

• Cominform replaces Comintern

• Military and Scientific Results– Jet engine– Rockets– Atomic bomb– Sonar/Radar– Blood plasma– Synthetic rubber– Anti-biotics

• Social/Political Results:– Loss of lives– The Jews– Refugees– The end of empires…this time we means it.

(France and Great Britain)

Nuremberg Trials

November, 1945- September, 1946

List of Crimes

• War crimes: violations of laws of war.• Crimes against peace: “…planning…

waging a war of aggression in violation of int’l treaties…”

• Crimes against humanity: genocide.• Conspiracy: leaders, organizers, etc

responsible for acts performed by individuals.

In Germany

• 21 charged:– 11 were executed– 3 acquitted.– 7 were given prison sentences

Tokyo Trials

June, 1946 – November, 1948

In Japan:

• 25 major leaders tried:– 7 death sentences– 18 prison sentences.

• Other tribunals:– 5,000 tried– Over 700 executed

• Yamashita precedent (standard): commanding officers are ultimately responsible for crimes committed by troops under their command. His crimes were committed in the Philippines.

Question for consideration

Some people believe that military and political leaders must be held accountable for decisions and actions taken in times of war and civil unrest. Others believe that political and military leaders are justified in using extraordinary measures in an effort to end a conflict or restore order.

To what extent should political and military leaders be held accountable for decisions and actions taken during times of war and civil unrest?