Germany’s surrender in World War 2 is one of the most significant and tragic events in human history. On May 7, 1945, the Germans signed the act of surrender, bringing an end to the devastating war. In this article, we’ll explore the background and location of Germany’s surrender in World War 2.
Background: Germany’s Defeat
The path to Germany’s defeat began in the spring of 1945, when Soviet forces captured Berlin and British and American forces breached the German border. In mid-April, a general uprising against the Nazis swept across Germany, making the situation on the battlefield dire for the Germans. Hitler, who had clung to power for three days after Soviet forces closed in on his capital, had committed suicide on April 30.
With a fractured and disorganized resistance, the Germans knew it was only a matter of time before they were surrounded, and ultimately defeated, from multiple sides. As early as April 29, "the supreme war leadership has decided to request and surrender", a last-minute attempt to secure decent peace terms was initiated through radio broadcasts.
Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel, Admiral Karl Dönitz and Field Marshal Walther Schnitzler sign the document Document Image (via Wikimedia Commons)
The Place: Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Reims, France
German troops surrendered on May 7, 1945, at the headquarters of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), which was set up by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces. Reims, a cathedral city located east of Paris, served as a temporary meeting place.
Before the official surrender was executed, General Walter Bedell Smith, U.S. Chief of Staff of the SHAEF, led the group consisting of senior military figures such as General Bedell Smith, Lieutenant-General Harold R. Bull (Director of Plans) and Admiral Ernst Cord, German Fleet. From the other side Air Marshal Berthold, German Chief Air Admiral and Field Colonel Karl Schnellert (acting, without authority to accept). Key participants on each side**
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Risks and Aftermaths
Throughout April and May, an untold number of stories went behind doors due to panic within the last desperate battle’s German soldiers and also amid the general civilian crowd **The Battle of Dunkirk** was among significant the last great conflicts World World War II’s closing and the beginning of war against the world. Thousands attempted to escape on improvised sailboats or ferries towards the North European Ocean across the British, causing chaotic scenes of death toll increased.
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