What was one key result of the Potsdam Conference?

The correct answer highlights a significant outcome of the Potsdam Conference, where the Allies determined the post-war administration of Germany. One of the key results was the decision to divide Germany into occupation zones controlled by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. While the intention was to make these zones self-sufficient and manageable, this decision ultimately also laid the groundwork for future tensions, as the countries had differing ideologies and goals for post-war Germany.

The agreement to treat the German zones as self-contained units reflected a practical approach to rebuilding and governing the war-torn nation, allowing for distinct policies to be implemented based on the occupying country's approach. This arrangement helped manage the immediate post-war challenges but also contributed to the division of Germany that would eventually lead to the creation of East and West Germany during the Cold War.

Understanding this context is crucial, as it shows how the decisions made at Potsdam were formative in shaping the political landscape of Europe in the latter half of the 20th century.