Examine the Yalta Conference in terms of the goals of each of the Allies, the constraints that operated to prevent each from attaining its goals, and the strengths and weaknesses of the final agreement.

The Yalta Conference, held in February 1945, was a meeting between the leaders of the three major Allied powers - the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom. The conference aimed to discuss the post-war reorganization of Europe and Asia, as well as the establishment of the United Nations.

Each of the Allies had different goals going into the conference. The United States, represented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, sought to establish a post-war world order based on the principles of self-determination and democracy. The United Kingdom, represented by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, aimed to protect its colonial interests and maintain its global influence. The Soviet Union, represented by Premier Joseph Stalin, sought to secure its western borders and establish a sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.

However, there were several constraints that operated to prevent each of the Allies from attaining their goals. The most significant constraint was the power imbalance between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies. The Red Army had already occupied much of Eastern Europe, giving Stalin significant leverage in the negotiations. Additionally, Roosevelt was in poor health and Churchill's influence was waning as the British Empire declined, further limiting their ability to challenge Stalin's demands.

The final agreement reached at Yalta had both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, the conference established the framework for the United Nations, which aimed to prevent future conflicts and promote international cooperation. It also laid the groundwork for the division of Germany and the post-war occupation of Europe. However, the agreement also allowed the Soviet Union to establish its dominance in Eastern Europe, leading to the imposition of communist governments in the region and the beginning of the Cold War.

In conclusion, the Yalta Conference reflected the differing goals and constraints faced by the Allies, ultimately resulting in an agreement that had both positive and negative consequences for the post-war world order.