At the Potsdam Conference, the Allied leaders gathered to discuss and negotiate the reorganization of post-war Europe following the end of World War II. Conducted from July 17 to August 2, 1945, the conference was attended by President Harry S. Truman of the United States, Prime Minister Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom, and Premier Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. The discussions occurred in the Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam, Germany, where the leaders aimed to address the political, territorial, and economic issues arising from the war's conclusion.

Throughout the conference, important agreements were made, particularly regarding the demilitarization and democratization of Germany. The Big Three addressed reparations, placing emphasis on the need for a stable and cooperative Europe. A notable outcome was the declaration regarding the prosecution of war criminals, which set the framework for the Nuremberg Trials. Moreover, the leader's interactions during the conference marked a shift in the relationship among the Allies, especially as tensions surfaced between the Western powers and the Soviet Union.

One controversial decision was the shift in leadership due to the Labour Party's victory in Britain, resulting in Clement Attlee replacing Churchill midway through the conference. This change reflected the evolving political climate in Europe and foreshadowed the growing ideological divide. The dynamics among the leaders during these discussions highlighted differing perspectives on democracy and governance, setting the stage for the Cold War. The unresolved issues and the decisions made at Potsdam would resonate throughout the subsequent decades, affecting international relations and shaping the geopolitical landscape of the post-war era.