The End of the War for Germany……

German Response to D-Day After the success of D-Day, the Allies (on many fronts are pushing Germany towards Berlin. But the Germans are far from finished fighting…… Throughout the end of 1944, Hitler launched thousands of V-1 Flying Bombs [“Doodlebug”] and V-2 Rockets at London (and later, Belgium) Resulting in the deaths of over 30,000 civilians. Another example of the concept of “Total War”: Citizens are involved in every aspect of the war….including death…..

V-1

V-2 Rockets

Battle of the Bulge Also commonly referred to as the Ardennes Offensive. Hitler, running out of supplies and fuel, attempts one last attack against the Allied forced on the Western Front. Launches in December 1944 through the dense forests of the Ardennes region [France, up to Belgium and Netherlands] Plan: Divide the Allied forces; capture the important port of Antwerp and the circle behind both groups and force their surrender….

Once again, the Allies are surprised that Hitler chooses to launch such a large offensive through this area (difficult terrain) The surprise attack allows Hitler gain a significant advantage into the Allied line of defense (the “bulge”) Fighting continues through the winter of 1944

Siege of Bastogne Important part of the Battle of the Bulge Germans needed to move all mechanized forces through Belgium, and all major roads in the Ardennes ran through one city: Bastogne. Completely surrounded the city of Bastogne, but needed to clear the area of the Allies in order to be able to use the roads. For almost one month, the Allies fight bravely against the German forces.

When asked by the Germans to surrender, leader of the Allied forces in Bastogne responded with: “Nuts!” Allies eventually get help from Patton and his tanks By January, the Allies are once again pushing the Germans back towards Berlin.

Bombing of Dresden

As Allies move towards Berlin, the Allied leaders (specifically Churchill), decide that it was necessary to destroy the city of Dresden Why? The Germans are retreating East, and the Western leaders wanted to help the Soviet forces in the East – an attack in the East might mean the war would end sooner…. Berlin and other cities were discussed, but ultimately, Dresden was chosen as the target. The largest remaining un-bombed built-up area.

In February 1945, the Allies drop more than 4000 tons of high-explosive and incendiary (fire- starting) bombs on Dresden The resulting firestorm destroys 40 square km of the city, and kills between 20000 and 25000 civilians Some argue it was a militarily significant action – important communication and transportation location. Many critics: Many military targets were avoided, and the action was to create terror in Germany…..

Race to Berlin After success of Battle of Bulge, the Allies are quickly moving towards Berlin from the West. Slowed down slightly by the Siegfried Line at the border of Germany. By March, the Allies have crossed over the Rhine River and are proceeding towards Berlin. By April, the Russians have reached Berlin: The Battle of Berlin [Land]: The Western Allies stop 50 km from Berlin – allow Stalin to take Berlin [promised at Yalta], while dealing with German troops in southern Germany.

Death of FDR Roosevelt dies on April 12, 1945. Replaced by Harry Truman [VP of FDR]

Death of Mussolini Throughout 1943, 1944 and 1945, the Allies have continued to struggle in Italy. Mussolini had been overthrown in 1943 (shortly after the Allied invasion), but the Germans had taken over the fighting. On April 28, 1945 – Mussolini attempts to flee the country as total defeat is near for Italy – captured and killed by Italians. Italy surrenders on April 29 [Not due to Mussolini’s death…..]

Death of Hitler Two days later, April 30, 1945, Hitler commits suicide in his underground bunker. He had spent the last few months underground listening to the constant attack of the Russians on his capital city. All German forces throughout Europe surrender on May 7, 1945 May 8th, 1945 is proclaimed V-E Day [Victory in Europe] Germany and Berlin are soon broken into pieces (discussed soon….)