End of Hitler and Third Reich Apr-May 1945
Failures After the Battle of the Bulge, Germany is on the defensive Hitler relies on technology to save Germany This includes the V1 (Bomb) and the V2 (Rocket), which were aimed at London
V2 launch sites European prisoners working
Could be shot down
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/243002/german_v2_rocket_launch_failures/
Nazis tried to create a nuclear weapon, but were not fast enough Hitler orders the defense of Germany to the last man Hitler’s scientists created new jet fighters
ME 262 Jet Fighter http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1npc6_me262-at-the-ila2006-in-berlin-orig_auto
On Nov. 20th, 1944, Hitler retreats from his headquarters at Rastenburg (goes to Berlin) On Feb 4th 1945, Allies meet at Yalta to discuss post-war plans Allies allow Soviets to enter Berlin first
Fall of Berlin Soviets begin their assault on Berlin April 16th, 1945 Hitler commits suicide April 30th, 1945 and the Soviets occupy the Reichstag that night Hitler shot himself; his wife of one day used cyanide and he poisoned his dogs
General Alfred Jodl signs the surrender for all German forces May 7th 1945
Results WW II is over in Europe Nazi war crimes revealed Many top Nazi leaders will be put on trial at Nuremberg More will be hunted for decades Will lay foundations for Cold War
http://fr.truveo.com/Operation-Paperclip-The-Hunt-for-Nazi-Scientists/id/1173793746
Nuremberg Writing Assignment Pretend you are participating in the Nuremberg trials as a lawyer Think of 10 questions you would ask Hitler Also, is Hitler guilty? Which counts? Punishment? You may work with a partner