7 May 1945 – German surrender in World War II

On May 7, 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces in Reims, France. This agreement stipulated that all German military operations would cease by May 8, effectively ending World War II in Europe.

This agreement marked the end of military conflict in Europe after a horrific six-year war. However, peace and tranquility were not immediately restored. The economic, social, and demographic effects of the war continued for years. For European society, this was the first day of a fresh start. The war was over, but rebuilding life would take years. Cities had been bombed and destroyed, families torn apart, and years of fear and uncertainty had suddenly ended.

Following the surrender signed in Reims on May 7, 1945, the Soviet Union did not accept this ceremony and demanded a more formal second signature. In accordance with this demand, a second surrender ceremony was held in Berlin on the night of May 8-9.

At this ceremony, Wilhelm Keitel (who was tried at the Nuremberg Trials after the war and executed as a war criminal in 1946) signed the surrender agreement on behalf of Germany, confirming the definitive end of the war in Europe.

May 8th is commemorated in Europe as Victory in Europe Day. Today, it is remembered as a day of remembrance in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and France.