Following the Allied invasion of Italy and the defeat of Italian operations in North Africa, Mussolini is replaced as prime minister by Marschall Pietro Badoglio, who formally surrenders to the Allies in early September. Northern Italy is quickly occupied by Germany.
After World War II, Korea is partitioned at the 38th parallel, creating a socialist state under Soviet influence in the North and a Western-style democracy in the South. In June 1950, North Korea invades South Korea, armed by the Soviet Union. Under the banner of fighting the spread of communism, the United States leads a UN coalition in the conflict against North Korea, which is backed by communist Russia and China. An armistice agreement in July 1953 puts an end to the military conflict, but the division of Korea persists until today.
Two years after the end of the war, there are still around one million people in displaced persons camps in Europe. Approximately 250,000 are Jews awaiting further immigration, many of whom wish to emigrate to British Mandate Palestine. For many DPs, repatriation to their pre-war homes is unthinkable, but many countries--including the U.S.--still impose restrictive immigration policies.
Nazi Germany's High Command unconditionally surrenders on 7 May to the Allies and 9 May to the Soviets. May 8 is proclaimed "Victory in Europe Day."
Nazi Germany's High Command unconditionally surrenders on 7 May to the Allies and 9 May to the Soviets. May 8 is proclaimed "Victory in Europe Day."