World War II was more destructive than any war before it. During the six-year conflict, millions of people were injured, landmarks were destroyed and an estimated 45-60 million people lost their lives. Adolf Hitler's rise to power had spelled disaster for Germany and threatened anyone outside of his National Socialist Nazi party.Under Hitler's sad*stic rule, six millions Jews and millions of others had been murdered in the Holocaust.
This Day in History: 05/08/1945 - V-E Day is celebrated in American and Britain
When the war came to an end in 1945, it seemed the world released a sigh of relief to be rid of the pain and horrors. The beginning of the end started in the spring when German troops throughout Europe laid down their arms. On May 8, both Great Britain and the United States celebrated Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day. Cities across the allied nations rejoiced in the defeat of Hitler and the Nazis with mass parades and celebrations.
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Months later in the summer, the war would conclude with another Allied victory. President Harry Truman decided to take drastic measures to ensure the defeat of the Axis power that had originally drawn the United States into war with itsattacks on Pearl Harbor. In early August 1945, the United States unleashed the devastating destruction of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
ByAugust 14, 1945, Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. This day became known as “Victory Over Japan Day,” or V-J Day. The term has also been used for September 2, 1945, whenGeneral Douglas MacArthuracceptedJapan’s formal surrender aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, while anchored in Tokyo Bay.
While victory was in hand, many soldiers still had to wait to head home. It had taken four years to get the estimated 7.6 million troops overseas and it would take more than four months to get them back. But once troops set off to finally go home, it became a joyous journey.
FAQs
On May 8, 1945 - known as Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day - celebrations erupted around the world to mark the end of World War II in Europe.
What is the most famous picture of ww2? ›
Two of the most famous photographs immortalized the end of fighting and the stillness of victory: Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima by Joe Rosenthal and Raising a Flag Over the Reichstag by Yevgeny Khaldei. In February 1945, the US army captured the Japanese island of Iwo Jima.
What can I do with old world war 2 photos? ›
If you possess any authentic photographs from World War II, we invite you to consider donating them to the Museum where they can tell the story of the war for future generations. You may learn more about what we seek and how to donate here. Close-up view of the construction of a boat's hull in Louisiana in the 1940s.
Where can I find WWII soldier photos? ›
This is a representative sampling of photographs from World War II that can be found in the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration. For more information on materials from World War II visit our World War II Records page.
How did Americans celebrate the end of World War II? ›
New York was the site of the largest V-E Day celebration, by far, within the United States. Crowds gathered in Times Square, and thousands marched down Fifth Avenue, with confetti raining down on them. Even before the official declaration of victory, New York officials knew what was coming — and they were prepared.
What event ended ww2? ›
On September 2, 1945, formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri, designating the day as the official Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day).
What is the famous end of WW2 picture? ›
On August 14, 1945, Alfred Eisenstaedt took a picture of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, minutes after they heard of Japan's surrender to the United States. Two weeks later LIFE magazine published that image.
What was the famous American WW2 photo? ›
Perhaps no Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph is better known than Joe Rosenthal's picture of six U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. It was taken on Friday, Feb. 23, 1945, five days after the Marines landed on the island.
Can you get old military photos? ›
Military photographs dated after 2007 are still within the holdings of the Department of Defense. You may wish to contact the Defense Media Activity (DMA) .
Who was the highest ranking soldier killed in WWII? ›
Among the dead was the Tenth Army's commander, Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., killed on June 18 by enemy artillery fire during the final offensive. He was the highest-ranking American general killed in action during World War II.
Vinyard will be buried in Maryville, Tennessee, the agency said. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency works to recover the remains of missing soldiers. The agency has accounted for 1,474 missing WWII soldiers since beginning its work in 1973. Government figures show that more than 72,000 WWII soldiers are still missing.
How many WWII veterans are still alive? ›
Every day, memories of World War II are disappearing from living history. The men and women who fought and won this great conflict are now in their 90s or older; according to US Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, 119,550 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are alive as of 2023.
Is there a Remembrance day for ww2? ›
After the conclusion of World War II, the British government, seeking to honour participants in both World Wars, officially replaced Armistice Day with the new Sunday observance, which was thereafter known as Remembrance Sunday. In 1956 the date was fixed as the second Sunday of the month.
Were people happy after WWII? ›
Flushed with their success against Germany and Japan in 1945, most Americans initially viewed their place in the postwar world with optimism and confidence. But within two years of the end of the war, new challenges and perceived threats had arisen to erode that confidence.
What holiday celebrates the anniversary of the end of the war? ›
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918.
How did Americans react to the end of WWII? ›
Within minutes of Truman's announcement on August 14, people began celebrating—spontaneously, enthusiastically—in many ways. Two million people squeezed into New York City's Times Square, always a measure of public excitement, in a celebration that went on for several days.
