Victory in Europe Day

Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) was celebrated throughout the world on May 8, 1945, to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. It marked the end of the most destructive war in human history, resulting in an estimated 50 million deaths and the displacement of millions more.

Causes

The causes of World War II are numerous and complex, but most historians agree that it was caused by a combination of military aggression by the Axis powers—Germany, Italy, and Japan—and a failure of diplomacy by the Allied powers—Great Britain, France, and the United States. The two paramount powers, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, sought to dominate large portions of the world through military conquest.

Unfolding

On April 30, 1945, Adolf Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany, committed suicide in order to avoid capture. This prompted his successor, Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz, to sign an unconditional surrender document on May 7, 1945. The next day, May 8th, V-E Day was declared throughout Europe.

The Allies celebrated V-E Day with great jubilation. Crowds took to the streets in cities across Europe singing and dancing. Fittingly, many chose to celebrate at monuments in honor of those who had lost their lives in the war.

Consequences

V-E Day marked the liberation of Europe from Nazi rule and ushered in an end to World War II. The effects of the war were felt around the world as millions of people were displaced and economies were decimated.

In addition to the tremendous human cost of the war, V-E Day also marked a shift in global politics. It saw a shift away from European dominance towards a more multipolar world with United States and Soviet Union emerging as two leading superpowers. Moreover, it ushered in a new era of international cooperation through organizations such as the United Nations.

Today, V-E Day is commemorated every year throughout Europe and elsewhere as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice that was required to end one of history’s darkest chapters and usher in a new era of peace.