# The End of the Axis Powers (World War II, 1945) World War II reached its conclusion in 1945 with the defeat of the Axis powers. This pivotal year saw major conferences, military advances, and the use of unprecedented weapons that reshaped global politics. Below is a detailed breakdown of the events leading to the end of the war. --- ## 1. The Yalta Conference (February 1945) ### Key Agreements - **No Separate Peace:** The United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union agreed that none of them would negotiate a separate peace with Hitler. - **Unconditional Surrender:** It was decided that Germany would surrender unconditionally. - **Post-War Goals:** The Allies aimed to: - Eradicate Nazism. - Punish war criminals. Unconditional surrender meant Germany could not negotiate terms to preserve any part of its government or military. --- ## 2. Germany's Defeat Approaches ### Allied Advances - **Soviet Troops Near Berlin:** By March 1945, Soviet forces were closing in on Berlin from the east. - **American Progress:** U.S. forces advanced into northern Germany. - **Allied Meeting:** On April 25, 1945, Allied forces converged in central Germany, signaling the collapse of German defenses. ### German Army's Condition - The German military was disintegrating, unable to organize a unified defense against the advancing Allies. Remember that the coordination between Soviet and American forces was crucial in ensuring Germany's defeat. --- ## 3. The Capture of Berlin & Hitler's Death (April 1945) ### The Fall of Berlin - **Red Army's Entry:** Soviet forces entered Berlin, overwhelming its defenses. - **Collapse of Resistance:** German forces in Berlin were unable to hold their ground. ### Hitler's Suicide - Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his bunker as defeat became inevitable. - **Failed Negotiations:** German leadership attempted to negotiate a separate peace with the Allies, but this was rejected. ### Germany's Surrender - **Unconditional Surrender:** A week after Hitler's death, Germany surrendered unconditionally. - **Occupation:** The country was divided and occupied by Allied forces. On April 30, 1945, Hitler took his own life. By May 7, 1945, Germany officially surrendered, marking the end of the war in Europe. Some people mistakenly believe that Hitler's death directly caused Germany's surrender. In reality, the military collapse and Allied advances were the decisive factors. --- ## 4. The War in the Pacific Continues ### U.S. Strategy Against Japan - **Island Conquest:** The United States focused on capturing Japan's main islands. - **Japanese Resistance:** Japan refused to surrender, employing tactics such as kamikaze attacks (suicide missions by pilots). ### Truman's Decision - **Atomic Bomb:** President Harry S. Truman decided to use the atomic bomb to force Japan into surrendering. Kamikaze attacks were a sign of Japan's desperation and unwillingness to surrender, even as defeat became inevitable. --- ## 5. Atomic Bombs & the End of the War (August 1945) ### Hiroshima and Nagasaki - **Hiroshima:** On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing approximately 70,000–80,000 people instantly. - **Nagasaki:** On August 9, 1945, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, killing around 40,000–50,000 people instantly. - **Radiation Effects:** Many survivors suffered long-term illnesses due to radiation exposure. ### Japan's Surrender - **End of World W