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Wannsee Conference
Reinhard Heydrich (Chief of the Reich Security Main Office) convened the Wannsee Conference in a villa outside Berlin. This conference was to present plans to organize a European-wide “Final Solution of the Jewish Question” to key executives from the German State and Nazi Party. -
Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp Established
Auschwitz-Birkenau was originally allocated for detaining considerable numbers of Soviet POWs. Although it continued to serve as a concentration camp, it also functioned as a killing center. -
Allied Nations Issue Statement on Mass Murder
The Allied nations published a declaration explicitly declaring that the German authorities were engaging in mass murder of the European Jews. -
Danish Jews Escape
Originating in September of 1943, roughly 7,200 Danish Jews flee to Sweden with the help of the Danish resistance movement and many Danish citizens. -
Creation of War Refugee Board
President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9417, thus creating the War Refugee Board (WRB). The board was tasked with the “immediate rescue and relief of the Jews of Europe and other victims of enemy persecution.” -
German Troops Occupy Hungary
Following the German occupation of Hungary, Hungarian Admiral Miklos Horthy was assigned as Regent, and Prime Minister Miklos Kallay was fired. -
Auschwitz Report
Rudolf Vrba and Alfred Wetzler escaped from Auschwitz and drafted a report giving one of the first reliable eyewitness reports of the camp. A Romanian diplomat, who was assisting George Mandel-Mantello in rescue efforts, obtained a copy and immediately gave it to Mandel-Mantello. Recognizing the Protocol’s importance, Mandel-Mantello recopied it, translated it, distributed it to the Swiss Protestant clergy, and launched a worldwide press campaign condemning Nazi atrocities. -
German Surrender
Soviet forces encircled Berlin, on April 25, 1945. That same day, Soviet forces joined with American troops. After heavy fighting, the Soviets neared central Berlin. Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945. Within days, Berlin fell to the Soviets. On May 7, German armed forces surrendered unconditionally. Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) was declared on May 8, 1945.
