The fall of berlin Jai, Ivan, Edwin, Vamshi

Thesis After a series of Allied victories across the continent, Germany became a mere shell of its former self. The Soviets pushed from the east, and the Allies from the west, eventually surrounding Berlin. The Race to Berlin concluded with a final Soviet offensive; Hitler’s carefully constructed regime crumbled beneath him. The death of Hitler and his high-ranking officers and the destruction of their capital effectively put an end to the war in Europe.

Downfall Clip

MapMap BERLIN Allied Forces

Race to Berlin – UK & US The Allies were too far from Berlin to be a rival in a race to Berlin. Dwight Eisenhower moved south of Berlin instead of aiming for Berlin to be apart of the race. Dwight Eisenhower moved south of Berlin instead of aiming for Berlin to be apart of the race. To prevent top German brass from escaping to the southern mountains instead of aiming for Berlin.

MapMap BERLIN Allied Forces SOVIET FORCES

Race to Berlin - Soviets Joseph Stalin called for massive amounts of Soviet troops to advance on Berlin Both on Ground and in Air The soviets had more firepower than the Germans Getting to the capital was relatively easy in that the Germans were constantly retreating while the Soviets had the forward momentum Russia: Take no Prisoner mentality Fighting street-to-street and house-to-house, Russian troops blasted their way towards Hitler's chancellery in the city's center.

The Germans The Germans put in both old and young onto the frontlines to save Berlin from the Soviets Propaganda demonized the Soviets and more Berliners thought the coming battle was a battle to the death 200,000 German soldiers, and 2 million civilians remained in Berlin during the Fall and the Soviets were ready to hand Germany a strong defeat, The Germans who fought were issued with portable anti-tank weaponry and could use hit-and-run tactics against the Soviet tanks. The depleted German forces put up a stiff defense, initially repelling the attacking Russians, but ultimately succumbing to overwhelming force.

April 16 th, 1945 Soviet Army begins its berlin campaign Signals the beginning of the offensive to take the Berlin Capital April 22 nd, 1945 Stalin Sends Final Assault Orders April 24 th, 1945 The British Royal Air force starts bombing Germany’s Offensive April 25 th, 1945 All access points west of Berlin cutoff by the Soviets April 26 th, 1945 Twin Soviet offensives break Germany’s defensive front April 27 th, 1945 Germany sets up a small 10 mile long defensive front Known as Berlin’s Last Stand April 30 th, 1945 Adolf Hitler marries Eva Braun in an underground bunker After giving a final speech to his supporters, poisons his dog, then Braun, and them himself. Their bodies are incinerated to avoid capture and humiliation May 1 st, 1945 Joseph Goebbels murders his family before taking his own life. Berlin formally and unconditionally surrenders to the Soviet legions and Western Allies. May 2 nd, 1945 German forces across Berlin begin surrendering. The German forces across Berlin begin surrendering Fall of Berlin is complete May 2 nd, 1945 Soviet forces occupy all major sections of the German Capital The war in Europe officially comes to a close

Life in the Bunker Although 50ft underground, the bunker was practically luxurious with its own heating, electricity, and water.Although 50ft underground, the bunker was practically luxurious with its own heating, electricity, and water. Life in the Berlin Führerbunker, however, was grim and filled with constant anxiety and gloom.Life in the Berlin Führerbunker, however, was grim and filled with constant anxiety and gloom.

The Battle The Siege of Berlin started on April 16, 1945, with the Russians as the aggressors. The Soviets were led by General Zukov During this time, Germans put both young, and old at the frontlines to save Berlin from falling. Noticing a defeat, Hitler and Goebbels committed suicide along with their families. The Siege of Berlin started on April 16, 1945, with the Russians as the aggressors. The Soviets were led by General Zukov During this time, Germans put both young, and old at the frontlines to save Berlin from falling. Noticing a defeat, Hitler and Goebbels committed suicide along with their families.

The end of the Reichstag

outcomes and aftermath Defeat of the Germans in Berlin signaled the end of the war in Europe. (The war, however, continued in the Pacific against Japan)Defeat of the Germans in Berlin signaled the end of the war in Europe. (The war, however, continued in the Pacific against Japan) Suicide of Hitler and many of his generals such as Goebbels, Krebs, and Burgdorf. Suicide of Hitler and many of his generals such as Goebbels, Krebs, and Burgdorf. Unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany on all war fronts by May 2nd. Unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany on all war fronts by May 2nd.

Work CIted Alex, Dan. "Battle of Berlin Timeline." Battle of Berlin. Second World War History, 12 Dec Web. 17 Mar "The Battle for Berlin." The Battle for Berlin. History Learning Site, n.d. Web. 04 Mar Chen, Peter. "Adolf Hitler." WW2DB RSS. World War II Database, n.d. Web. 17 Mar Latson, Jennifer. Time.com. Time Magazine, 16 Jan Web. 31 Mar "The Race For Berlin." The Race For Berlin. Ohio State University, n.d. Web. 17 Mar