Unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany
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."
Soviet occupation of Berlin
The "Battle of Berlin" begins April 20. As the Soviets fight their way street by street into the city, Nazi forces and leadership collapse in disarray. Hitler commits suicide on April 28. After three days of fierce fighting, the Reichstag--and the city of Berlin--falls to the Soviets on May 2, 1945.
American forces liberate Dachau
American troops reach Dachau and find approximately 32,000 inmates still alive, as well as 30 railroad cars with the corpses of prisoners who died in transport to the camp.
Death of US president Franklin Roosevelt
Following a stroke, President Franklin Roosevelt dies. Vice President Harry Truman becomes President.
Soviet forces liberate Budapest
After nearly two months, Soviet forces succeed in liberating Budapest from Nazi and Hungarian fascist control. Approximately 100,000 Jews survive, mostly thanks to protections offered by foreign diplomats such as Raoul Wallenberg.