The End of World War II Hitlers Downfall

The End of World War II

Hitler’s Downfall l Allied soldiers surrounded Berlin • • Adolf Hitler committed suicide Before his death, he ordered his supporters and generals to commit suicide as well • • Himmler: Head of the Gestapo/oversaw Concentration Camps Goebbels: Minister of Propaganda

Heinrich Himmler l l Hitler often referred to him as “the loyal Heinrich” In the last month of the war, he attempted to negotiate peace with the Allies behind Hitler’s back l l He claimed that Hitler would be “dead in two days” Shortly before Hitler committed suicide, he ordered Himmler’s death for his betrayal

Joseph Goebbels l l l Hitler appointed him the new leader of Germany Nine days after becoming dictator, he surrendered “The Führer has given orders for me, in case of a breakdown of defense of the Capital of the Reich, to leave Berlin and to participate as a leading member in a government appointed by him. For the first time in my life, I must categorically refuse to obey a command of the Führer. ”

Unconditional Surrender l l May 9, 1945: Germany surrendered August 15, 1945: Japan surrendered

Death Toll l l l China: 20 million Germany: 7 million Japan: 2. 6 million Poland: 5. 6 million Soviet Union: 23. 1 million United States: 418, 000 Total of all countries: 72 million

The Nuremburg Trials l The Nuremberg Trials: 24 Germans were accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity • 12 were sentenced to execution • 4 were sentenced to 10 -20 years in prison • 3 were sentenced with life in prison • 3 were acquitted of all charges • 2 committed suicide prior to trial

The Nuremberg Trials “These prisoners are living symbols of racial hatreds, of terrorism and violence, and of the arrogance and cruelty of power. ”

Creation of the United Nations l The United Nations consisted of representatives from 50 nations and served the purpose of keeping world peace

Dividing Germany l Allies split Germany • France • Great Britain • Soviet Union • United States • *Poland

Communism l l l With the rising power of the Soviet Union, Communism began to spread The United States’ opposition to Communism fueled what would become the Cold War The Cold War: A nonviolent conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States that lasted 44 years and resulted in the Soviet Union’s collapse