Germany Collapses

German divisions are moved into Ardennes Forest. They launch an attack on the Americans and at first are successful. Called the Battle of the Bulge

Battle of the Bulge Began 5:00 a.m. December 16, Green American troops fought Germans battle hardened troops Americans were surrounded at Bastogne but refused to surrender Battle of the Bulge ended about where it began, but there were huge loses.

Effects of Battle of the Bulge Huge German loses in men and material Allowed the Russians to advance on the Eastern Front

Moving to the Rhine Allied troops in the west move towards the Rhine River Feb. 21- Allies reach the Rhine and Germans pull back across the river Americans find a bridge still in tact and cross the Rhine

Yalta Conference Held Feb. 4-11, 1945 Was a secret conference Brought together the “Big Three” Discussed Europe’s postwar reorganization

Yalta Conference Would divide Germany into zones –Great Britain, France, and U.S. combined their zones into West Germany –Soviet Union controlled East Germany City of Berlin was split in half Poland given it’s independence –Free elections were to take place

Roosevelt Dies April 12, President Roosevelt dies Harry S. Truman takes over as Commander in Chief of the U.S.

Death of Mussolini Allies moving towards Milan –Mussolini and his lady friend flee Found by Colonel Valerio who executes both of them Their bodies are hung on display in a public square in Milan

Death of Mussolini

Allies Enter Germany As Allies moved in on Berlin, Hitler refused to admit defeat Goering and Himmler removed from the Nazi Party Admiral Doenitz is named as Hitler’s successor Hitler, Ava Braun, and Goebbels commit suicide in The Bunker

May 5, Germany surrenders to the Allies May 7, Germans sign surrender agreement at Rheims, France May 8, ceremony was repeated in Berlin called V-E day Allies Enter Germany