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Battle of Berlin
Soviet forces launch a siege on Berlin. The USSR immensely outnumbered the Germans in manpower and equipment. In the end, Berlin was under the occupation of the Soviets. All previous German land is controlled by the Allies. -
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Battle of Nuremberg
American forces invadeand capture Nuremberg. Nuremberg was the place of Nazi rallies. The loss of Nuremberg devastated German morale. -
Surrender in the Ruhr
German forces fighting in the Ruhr surrender to the Allies on the Western Front. This was significant as it relieved pressure on the Soviet union in the east weakening German resistance and leading to the fall of Berlin. -
Execution of Benito Mussolini
Benito Mussolini is captured by Italians fighting for the Allies. The leaders decide to hang him in public. Italy was now under new leadership and entered the war on the allies side boosting troop numbers and morale -
Liberation of Dachau
American forces reach Dachau. SS guards are executed, and prisoners are set free. This was significant as prior to this event the outside world had no idea what was actually going on in concentration camps. This event caused huge international outrage. -
Hitler commits suicide
After the desertion of Himmler, Goering, and the German Army, and on the verge of defeat, Hitler commits suicide in his underground bunker. The Third Reich is on the verge of collapse and falls shortly after his death. Without their leader Germany was finished. -
Germans in Italy surrender
After the Italian surrender in 1943, the last of the Axis forces in Italy surrender. This was very significant as the Germans officially retreat from another country, leaving only Germany as a warzone in the European theater. -
Official German Surrender
German military officials sign a formal document declaring Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allies. This offically ended the war in Europe perhaps saving hundreds of thousand of extra lives and allowed the allies to focus solely on Japan. -
VE Day
Victory in Europe Day. As the European theater of WW2 officially ends, May 8 is established as a national holiday every year to commemorate the defeat of the Axis. It boosted morale of all Ally countries, and invokes nationalism and feelings of superiority against the Axis.