Victory in Europe Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about The Second World War

Victory in Europe Day is observed on May 8 to commemorate the formal acceptance of Germany’s unconditional capitulation of its armed forces by the Allies of World War II. After Germany, the war’s architect, surrendered, did you realise that Japan continued to wage war against the Allies? World conflict II was the most expensive conflict in history; over 75 million lives were lost, cities were destroyed, and Europe’s economy was devastated. The war began with the invasion of Poland by Hitler’s Germany and ended nearly six years later with the Japanese surrender. Victory in Europe Day is a public holiday in several European nations and is known as V.E. Day in the United Kingdom and V-E Day in the United States.

The background of Victory in Europe Day

The Allies encircled Germany on April 30, 1945, tightening the noose around the German army. Hitler, realising his situation was doomed, murdered his newlywed wife Eva Braun and then committed suicide in his Berlin bunker. Hitler’s successor, Grand Admiral Karl Donitz, immediately began negotiating terms of surrender with the Allied forces upon assuming the presidency. His primary objective was to prevent as many Germans from being captured by the Soviets as feasible.

British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery acknowledged the unconditional surrender of German forces in the Netherlands, northwest Germany, and Denmark on Luneburg Heath on May 4, 1945. On May 7, another unconditional military capitulation was signed by Supreme Allied Commander General Eisenhower and German General Alfred Jodl at SHAEF Headquarters in Reims. The following day, German Field Marshal William Keitel signed a slightly modified document, the definitive German Instrument of Surrender, in Karlshorst, Berlin.

Following the radio announcement of the German surrender on May 7, jubilation erupted throughout the western world, particularly in North America and the United Kingdom. The British Broadcasting Corporation interrupted their programming to declare that Victory in Europe Day would become a national holiday. Over one million people flooded the streets of the United Kingdom to celebrate, while in London, Trafalgar Square, the Mall, and Buckingham Palace were congested. The British Royal Family and Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony of the palace and waved to the cheering masses.

Victory in Europe Day coincided with President Harry Truman’s 61st birthday in the United States. Nonetheless, he dedicated the victory to his late predecessor Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the American flag flew at half-staff. Victory in Europe Day was also observed in Australia, Paris, and Canada, where a disturbance broke out and several people were killed.

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5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE SECOND WORLD WAR

During World War II, the Allies (Britain, France, Russia, China, and the United States) fought against the Axis (Germany, Italy, and Japan).

Approximately six million Jews were killed by Hitler’s Germany during the conflict.

Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland are examples of nations that remained neutral throughout the conflict.

Approximately 75 million people perished during the conflict, including 40 million civilians and 20 million soldiers.

In addition to Jews, Hitler ordered the execution of persons with disabilities and Gipsies for failing to meet his vision of the best and strongest race.

VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY DATES