PDF Summary:The Daughters Of Yalta, by Catherine Grace Katz

On the heels of World War II, three women—Sarah Churchill, Kathleen Harriman, and Anna Roosevelt—played pivotal roles in the Yalta Conference, where Allied leaders met to reshape the face of post-war Europe. In The Daughters of Yalta, Catherine Grace Katz delves into the personalities, ambitions, and diplomatic maneuvers that converged at this pivotal moment in history.

Through firsthand accounts and archival research, Katz highlights the contrasting visions of figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin as they navigated the fraught dynamics of wartime alliances. The fate of Poland emerged as a central conflict, encapsulating the struggle between democratic sovereignty and the growing Soviet sphere of influence.

(continued)...

Anna's choice to act as an intermediary for her father showcased her commitment to his cause and influenced his dealings with staff and advisors in a nuanced way.

Anna concurred with the rationale her father presented for her being there, highlighting her ability to offer him solace over her political savvy. At Yalta, she took it upon herself to become his gatekeeper, deciding who was worthy of his attention and protecting the few hours a day assigned to him for rest, as prescribed by his doctors. The role was such that while achievements often remained unrecognized, any lapse could cause dissatisfaction among individuals anticipating a meeting with the president. She skillfully managed the social engagements of the president, diplomatically guiding figures like the British Prime Minister and his chief advisor elsewhere when they appeared close to overwhelming or troubling FDR, thereby acting as his protector from those in his inner circle.

Anna's role was particularly highlighted when, just prior to the first dinner at Livadia Palace, she managed to calm Jimmy Byrnes and convince him to attend. The former associate justice of the Supreme Court, now leading the Office of War Mobilization, was greatly disturbed by his omission from the first major meeting that concentrated on military matters. His irate declaration threatened to dampen the celebratory mood of the opening night. Anna, who saw Byrnes as the epitome of self-centeredness among her father's associates, found herself engaged in a dialogue that lasted close to half an hour. Finally, when reason and pleas for decorum failed, she resorted to a desperate and even absurd tactic to secure his cooperation, stating that her father “hated the number thirteen” and would be furious if Byrnes did not attend. The plea, filled with urgency, was effective. Ultimately, Byrnes graced the dinner with his presence and offered an outstanding toast.

Anna's bond with Harry Hopkins grew stronger, underscoring the intricate interplay of influence among Roosevelt's inner circle, as she sought to emerge as the key counselor to her father, a position previously occupied by Hopkins.

FDR and Harry Hopkins shared a strong bond of friendship that endured for many years. Hopkins, a former social worker, had risen to prominence within the Roosevelt administration, overseeing New Deal programs and providing Roosevelt with strategic counsel on diplomatic maneuvers, particularly when dealing with the British Prime Minister and the Soviet leader. During the early part of 1944, while Hopkins was recovering, Anna expanded her range of responsibilities to include many tasks that Hopkins had previously overseen. She never wavered in her dedication to maintaining that position. She became noticeably furious when she learned that discussions about post-war strategy with Churchill had been set up by Hopkins without first informing FDR.

She immediately felt a sense of unease when she encountered Hopkins for their initial meeting at Yalta. Anna noted his poor health and inability to work. He continued to arrange gatherings and sought to sway the choices made by her father, frequently chiding her for being excessively defensive of him. Anna's concerns about Hopkins' loyalty to FDR grew as she noticed his strengthening bond with Churchill, reinforcing her determination to protect her father from Hopkins' interference. In the weeks that followed the conference, the urgency of the situation intensified when Hopkins expressed disapproval of the arrangements Roosevelt had secured, especially the one pertaining to the Soviet Union's commitment to join the conflict with Japan.

Anna assumed the role of protector for her father's delicate well-being, frequently concealing the severity of his health issues to shield him from any distress that could exacerbate his cardiac complications.

During the fall of 1944, a short time after Anna Roosevelt and her son took up residence in the White House to stay near the president, it was disclosed to Anna by FDR's physician, Howard Bruenn, that her father was suffering from congestive heart failure. Dr. Bruenn alerted to the critical nature of the sickness, suggesting that the president might only survive for a few months more. In order to safeguard FDR's reputation and ensure Allied cohesion, it was resolved to treat the matter with discretion. FDR refrained from probing into the specifics of his condition, even in private conversations.

Roosevelt and his advisory team exerted significant effort in preparing for the discussions at the Yalta Conference, despite the challenging journey that involved thorough discussions and nightly banquets. Anna, despite not having any formal education in healthcare, diligently studied heart diseases to understand the best methods for prolonging her father's life. During her trip to Malta, she skillfully evaded questions about the president's health and countered Byrnes' skepticism by stating that FDR's tired appearance was simply a result of his sinus-clearing technique that required breathing through his mouth. Similar endeavors were just as vital throughout the negotiations that took place at Yalta. Ensuring that FDR adhered to the rest periods as his doctor required proved to be an overwhelming challenge. Harriman's attempts to lighten the president's load by managing diplomatic efforts were undermined by Churchill and the Soviets, who consistently vied for FDR's attention and time. Food provisions also became a point of consideration.

Throughout most of the meetings, and especially at the lavish midday meal that Churchill partook in on his journey to Yalta, the Soviet entertainers presented an array of decadent meals laden with fats and salts, such as caviar, preserved marine delicacies, and tender meats. The variety of sumptuous dishes at the gathering could have threatened the president's health, considering his need for a diet that is low in both sodium and fatty substances. Churchill could have interpreted Roosevelt's choice to forgo the opulent banquet as a diplomatic affront, possibly stirring discord among the envoys; however, Anna understood that her primary duty was to safeguard the well-being of her father to guarantee the fruitful finalization of the conference's accords. After Yalta, the arduous return journey home and a crushing schedule of meetings would nearly be his undoing. Anna's role as a protector still had a considerable way to go.

The principal figures among the Allies had differing visions for the future of Europe.

In "The Daughters of Yalta," Katz offers an insightful and thorough portrayal of the pivotal roles played by three central individuals—Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin—in shaping the post-war world. The three leaders at the forefront faced the intricate task of rebuilding Europe and harmonizing their individual visions for the post-war period, as they anticipated Germany's forthcoming capitulation. Roosevelt maintained a firm conviction that the integration of post-war Russia into the international community could be achieved by establishing a new entity focused on peace and fostering connections through personal diplomacy, whereas Churchill, informed by his deep knowledge of Russian history and firsthand experiences with despots, approached Stalin and the growing influence of the Soviet Union with caution. Meanwhile, Stalin, an astute strategist and master of deception and manipulation, skillfully exploited the disunity within the Anglo-American alliance to secure accords that would guarantee Soviet dominance across the nations to Germany's east.

Roosevelt was firmly convinced that through direct diplomatic engagement, he could integrate the Soviet Union into the post-war international community.

At the Yalta Conference, Roosevelt's primary objective was to secure the Soviet Union's pledge to the future international peacekeeping entity that would become known as the United Nations. This organization, which would have the United States, Britain, China, and the Soviet Union as permanent members of its Security Council, was intended to prevent future wars and guarantee a lasting peace. Roosevelt's dedication to creating a robust organization focused on global unity persisted, with the goal of preserving peace and addressing the economic hardships of impoverished nations, advancing past the unstable and ineffective legacy of the international institution established by President Woodrow Wilson. He anticipated an era where shared objectives and mutual esteem would foster a strong alliance bridging the Eastern and Western hemispheres. In his quest for this objective, he set aside his doubts about the Soviet Union and concentrated on diplomatic endeavors to ensure cooperation alongside Stalin. To cultivate a favorable rapport, he was adamant about having an initial private meeting with Stalin as the conference commenced.

Roosevelt's resolve to secure a lasting peace in Europe was reinforced by his desire to focus on the Pacific theater of war, which threatened to evolve into an extended and devastating conflict with the possibility of incurring numerous American casualties. He consented to relinquish dominance in regions of Eastern Europe to secure the Soviet Union's engagement in the conflict in the Pacific.

Churchill's past experiences with dictators and his knowledge of Russian history deepened his apprehension about Stalin's goals and the ambitions of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe.

Roosevelt maintained his belief in the power of open dialogue and mutual understanding, whereas Churchill, informed by his vast experience with dictators and knowledge of Russian matters, proceeded with wariness, wary that any sign of American weakness might be exploited to further Soviet ambitions. From the beginning, Churchill harbored doubts about Stalin, especially after the breakdown of the non-aggression pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, which subsequently resulted in an alliance with Britain. As the conflict persisted, Churchill's discomfort mounted, particularly due to his inability to secure Stalin's backing for the Polish partisans during the 1944 Warsaw revolt.

Churchill's concerns at Yalta centered mainly on the unchecked ambitions of the Soviet Union, especially in relation to Poland, where the Red Army was strategically placed to assume control following the Nazi withdrawal. Winston was adamant that the talks should focus on Poland's independence and freedom, rather than just the delineation of its boundaries. The initiation of the United Kingdom's involvement in the conflict was to safeguard the autonomy of Poland, and any resolution failing to guarantee democratic elections held by a government that embodies all Polish citizens would violate that commitment and be considered dishonest. Acquiescing to Stalin's conditions would be equivalent to betrayal.

Stalin adeptly utilized a combination of cunning, charm, and understated coercion to achieve his objectives, exploiting disagreements among the Western Allies to further his aspirations for Soviet dominance.

In Katz's portrayal, Stalin emerges as a shrewd tactician, unfazed by the use of deceptive methods and skilled in maneuvering through the intricate power relations with leaders from the West. At the banquet, he lavished substantial praise upon Churchill, proposing a joint effort to dismantle the top tiers of Germany's military leadership. He also showcased his profound skill in the art of dramatization. Stalin's tardiness in reaching the Saki airfield and his deliberate quest for a restroom during the dinner at Livadia Palace were tactics aimed at unsettling the representatives from the United States and the United Kingdom, quietly establishing his dominance as the host of the conference, and simultaneously allowing him to comprehend their perspectives through insights gathered by his assistant.

Stalin leveraged the Soviet Union's illustrious past to strengthen his position. Stalin addressed Churchill's concerns regarding Polish sovereignty by emphasizing his country's historical vulnerability to invasions via Poland, citing the German invasions that occurred in 1914 and pointing to the events of 1941 as proof. The Soviets perceived a weak and independent Poland as an unacceptable threat to their national security. The Soviet Union considered it vital to their existence to fortify their western border through whatever measures they deemed necessary.

The fate of Poland was a benchmark for a Europe capable of shaping its own destiny.

The fate of Poland after the war was the most ideologically divisive and contentious issue addressed at the Yalta Conference. While Britain and the United States were focused on settling enduring territorial disagreements and promoting a democracy that embodied the collective aspirations of the Polish population, including the guarantee of free elections, they faced resistance from the Soviet Union's leader. Observing the Soviet Union's expansion over Polish territories and its intentional sabotage of attempts to curtail the sway of the Soviet-backed Lublin government, the Western Allies' frustration mounted, as Poland became a focal point for the ideals of a Europe entitled to self-rule.

The fervent debates over Poland's post-war territorial limits and the composition of its interim government underscored the deep ideological divide between socialist and democratic systems of rule.

Throughout the discussions about Poland's post-war governance, the Soviet Union adamantly insisted that the Lublin government, which was set up after the Red Army's progression, was a true representation of the desires of the Polish people. Stalin cunningly juxtaposed the regime supported by the Soviets, claiming it was based on democratic principles, with the aristocratically-headed Polish administration that was operating in exile from London, which was devoid of authentic authority.

The Lublin government's effectiveness in maintaining order in Poland was presented as proof that Soviet security was not at risk. The Poles in London, who had connections to the Polish Home Army, posed difficulties that could potentially lead to conflict and violence. Stalin was adamant about imposing penalties on those who defied the armed forces of the Soviet Union, underscoring the importance of supporting a government that guarantees tranquility. When faced with claims that the Lublin government was a true representation of the people's desires, Stalin responded by maintaining that, despite criticisms of his authoritarian tendencies, he had enough of a democratic mindset to refrain from setting up a Polish government that lacked authentic involvement from the people of Poland.

The limited influence of the Western Allies in Eastern Europe was highlighted by their failure to guarantee democratic elections and their acquiescence to the Soviet-endorsed Lublin government, a situation exacerbated by the extensive Soviet military presence.

Churchill and Roosevelt came to understand that making compromises was crucial as the discussions advanced. They reached a consensus on the importance of reshaping the Polish government to include a broader democratic base, with participation from domestic figures as well as those who had been displaced to London, but Averell Harriman observed that the language employed was too vague. Furthermore, the commitment of the USSR to conduct unbiased elections was significantly undermined when they succeeded in eliminating the clause from the agreement that would have allowed representatives from the West to serve as monitors, despite the communiqué referencing a condition for prompt and equitable elections in Poland under the watch of the Allied ambassadors.

The lasting consequences of appeasement were emphasized as a multitude of Eastern European countries fell under Soviet dominance, with the situation in Poland exemplifying the abandonment of promises.

Katz recounts in her book how Kathleen Harriman observed with increasing worry the disintegration of the agreements made in Crimea following the conference. Nicolae Radescu, the Prime Minister of Romania, faced coercion that led to his resignation and the subsequent establishment of a Soviet-backed government. Poland's circumstances mirrored those observed in Romania. The Soviet forces and their secret police intensified their control over Polish territories, subjecting those who opposed them to incarceration, torment, or death, while concurrently excluding Western allies from having a role in forming Poland's new government.

As 1947 dawned and the promised democratic elections failed to materialize, the integrity of the Yalta Agreement was clearly in jeopardy, particularly as Poland found itself firmly under Soviet control. Harriman communicated his growing despair to the capital, observing that the critical decisions about the implementation of these agreements appeared to be made exclusively inside the Kremlin while in talks with their counterparts. Roosevelt and Churchill's hopes for Poland to maintain its sovereignty and freedom ultimately were not realized.

Changing Landscapes: The journey toward a tranquil period was fraught with uncertainty.

The end of the conflict and the collapse of the agreements made at Yalta left those who had committed themselves with significant personal sacrifices to achieve victory wrestling with uncertainties about the future. The younger woman faced distinct challenges, no longer united by the common struggles associated with wartime diplomacy or their fathers' partnership. Kathleen, along with Averell Harriman, recognized that the end of hostilities would mark a return to their usual personal and work routines, indicating the end of their joint efforts throughout the time of war. Anna encountered difficulties in charting her own course in the absence of her father's direction. She became overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness as she worried about her father's well-being and the safety of her partner. Sarah, weighed down by personal misfortunes and the grief she had caused her followers, set out to reconstruct her existence, with an emphasis on restoring her confidence and independence.

Kathleen and Averell's return to their usual routines was marked by a newfound mutual respect and the recognition that their paths ahead were diverging.

As the month of February neared its end and the Harrimans sailed from Russia to the United States, Kathleen recognized that her time working alongside her father throughout the conflict was nearing its end. The prolonged period of strife not only solidified their unity but also revealed traits and skills that could have otherwise stayed hidden. Kathleen witnessed her father's transformation from a businessman into a statesman firsthand. His expertise in diplomacy made him a vital contributor within the political arenas of the British and Russian capitals throughout the conflict. She evolved from a sheltered existence of wealth as a young socialite to a confident journalist, skilled in reporting on the recovery of pilots wounded in air battles, and just as proficient in conversing in the language Stalin spoke at formal events.

Kathleen faced difficulties adapting to a conventional New York lifestyle due to the strengthened bond she shared with her father. She collaborated intimately with her father, serving not only as his offspring but also as a dedicated collaborator in their mutual pursuits, across both the British and Russian capitals. Katz depicts the emotional distance that allowed her to eventually pardon the betrayal she felt when she learned of her father's romantic entanglement with her dearest friend. Upon her return to New York, she faced challenges in mending her relationship with her father, especially after discovering that Pamela, who was once a dear friend, had become her stepmother. Her experiences throughout the conflict had profoundly shaped her view of family and the difficulty of compartmentalizing her insights.

Anna struggled to establish a unique identity in a society that diminished the significance of her ties to presidential power, and her worries about John Boettiger's mental and physical health intensified.

Anna Roosevelt played a significant part in the Yalta conversations, yet in subsequent years in Seattle and Phoenix, she was seen only as a daughter and wife. Anna confronted the challenge of discovering a new purpose following the conclusion of her role as a trusted advisor to the president and the passing of her father. Her endeavors to resume her career in journalism were met with rejection, and the couple's initiative to establish a new periodical was swiftly thwarted by political resistance, monetary challenges, and a scarcity of newsprint.

Anna's professional challenges paled in comparison to her deep concern for John, whose post-war despondency, worsened by alcohol, was rooted in a concern that his professional value had lessened due to his tense relationship with FDR. Anna recognized his vulnerabilities and actively sought to soothe him, advocating for his engagement in therapy to address his mental and emotional issues. John held the belief that psychiatrists should only be consulted by those considered to be mentally unstable.

As John's behavior grew increasingly harmful, Anna faced another impossible choice, threatening the safety of herself and her children. Revealing the distressing aspects of her husband's behavior, aspects she had carefully concealed, might result in the family falling apart. She chose to ensure their safety. She dispatched John to take over her duties at the newspaper, with the aspiration that he might discover the strength to heal.

Sarah found it challenging to reintegrate into her pre-war existence, weighed down by personal sorrow and the sudden collapse of the alliance her father had worked so hard to build during the conflict.

As her father engaged in crucial political discussions at the Potsdam Conference, Sarah was concurrently dealing with her personal challenges. Winston, who had steered the country to victory, was ousted from his position after the declaration of the election results. Sarah, in the company of her parents, witnessed her father's fervent desires for European peace and harmony, along with his ambition to uphold Britain's international prominence, falter in the face of rising socialist tendencies.

Concerns held by Sarah about the future grew stronger after Churchill lost in the election. She had come to terms with the conclusion of her affair with Vic Oliver, but her emotions regarding Gil Winant remained complex, particularly due to the ambiguous nature of their relationship amidst his struggle with depression. Although she found joy during her time at RAF Medmenham and took solace in her father's assurances of future romantic possibilities and a renewed acting career, she remained plagued by feelings of doubt. She had grown accustomed to the thrill of wartime adventure, and the quiet postwar world now seemed as mundane as the shopping excursions she previously enjoyed alongside Kathleen in London, during which they searched for stockings and face cream, pursuits that now paled in significance to the momentous events of the war.

Sarah's worry deepened into intense grief when she realized that her very existence brought sadness to those she cherished. Sarah carried a personal burden of guilt for their demise, believing that she was to blame, particularly since the pair who had been her pillars of support and affection throughout the conflict had ended their own lives. She strove to restore normalcy to her existence, yet the emotional upheaval persisted incessantly.

Practical Tips

• You can reflect on the impact of historical events on your personal decision-making by journaling about a recent decision and identifying factors that influenced your choice, similar to how the Yalta Conference decisions were shaped by personal ambitions and distinct personalities. For example, when deciding on a career move, consider how your personal values, the influence of mentors, and current economic conditions play a role, and write down the parallels you see with historical decision-making processes.
• Enhance your understanding of family dynamics in professional settings by observing and noting the roles and influences of family members in a local business or political campaign. Take note of how individuals like Sarah Churchill and Anna Roosevelt provided unique perspectives and support in their respective family roles, and compare these observations with the dynamics you witness, focusing on how family relationships impact professional outcomes.
• Develop a deeper appreciation for the nuances of communication by practicing language skills in a new context, such as volunteering at a multicultural center, to emulate Kathleen Harriman's proficiency in languages and diplomacy. While volunteering, pay attention to how language barriers affect understanding and relationships, and strive to bridge these gaps, just as Harriman did in her role as an interpreter.