occupation zones for administrative purposes , under the United States , United Kingdom , France and the Soviet Union respectively ; creating what became collectively known as Allied-occupied Germany ( ) . This division was ratified at the Potsdam Conference ( 17 July to 2 August 1945 ) . The four zones were as agreed in February 1945 by the United States , United Kingdom and Soviet Union meeting at the Yalta Conference ; setting aside an earlier division into three zones ( excluding France ) proposed by the London Protocol
Potsdam Conference
Potsdam Conference
Allied-occupied Germany