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    • VE Day

    Victory in Europe

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    The Allied Armies’ World War II victory over Nazi Germany occurred on May 7, 1945, when the German Instrument of Surrender was signed in Reims, France. This victory was celebrated as VE Day (a.k.a. V Day and V-E Day) throughout Europe and the U.S. on the following day: May 8, 1945.

    		Victory in Europe Resource Handout for Classroom or Homeschool: Just $2.00

    BBC: VE Day5 stars

    "After the suicide of Hitler on 30 April 1945, it was left to Grand Admiral Donitz, who had been President of the Third Reich for a week, to surrender. Donitz travelled to General Eisenhower's HQ at Reims in France, and, in the presence of senior officers from Britain, America, Russia and France, surrendered unconditionally to the Western and Russian demands on 7 May 1945." For more WWII history, be sure to peruse Related Links in the right-hand sidebar.



    BBC: Victory in Europe Day4 stars

    This article by historian Dr. Gary Sheffield highlights reactions to victory in Europe from around the world. "For the Western Allies, of course, the conflict in Europe was only one half of the world war. At that stage, the atomic bomb was a secret known to a very few, and the end of the war with Japan seemed a very long way off."

    HistoryNet: V-E Day 19455 stars

    Learn what VE Day meant for people all around the world. "In Cape Town [South Africa] the thousands of celebrants brought traffic to a near-standstill. The Cape Times of the following day wrote, 'The gnawing, ceaseless anxiety in many homes for loved ones in danger has vanished like an evil dream.' South Africa was home to many people of German descent, however, and in 1940 the decision to fight as part of the British force against Germany and Italy was not popular with those who supported Hitler's policies."

    Imperial War Museums: What You Need To Know About VE Day5 stars

    Another look at VE Day celebrations, focused mainly on Britain, but also including details about reactions in Paris, Australia, and the U.S. "In the United States of America, the victory was tempered with the recent death of President Roosevelt, who had led his country through the war years. His successor, Harry S. Truman, dedicated the day to Roosevelt and ordered that flags be kept at half-mast – as part of the 30-day mourning period. Despite this, there were still scenes of great rejoicing in America: in New York, 15,000 police were mobilized to control the huge crowds that had massed in Times Square."

    New York Times: Learning Network: May 7, 19455 stars

    On May 8, 1945, "The New York Times published an Associated Press story under the headline "The War in Europe is Ended!" It reported, "[The Germans] were asked sternly if they understand the surrender terms imposed upon Germany and if they would be carried out by Germany. They answered Yes." You can see the day's front page by clicking "Go to related On This Day page" listed under "Historic Headlines."

    		Victory in Europe Resource Handout for Classroom or Homeschool: Just $2.00



    Honorable Mentions

    The following links are either new discoveries or sites that didn't make it into my newspaper column because of space constraints. Enjoy!

    Everything you need to know about VE Day

    This Day in History

    Victory in Europe Day


    Cite This Page

    Feldman, Barbara. "Victory in Europe." Surfnetkids. Feldman Publishing. 3 May. 2016. Web. 28 Nov. 2024. <https://www.surfnetkids.com/resources/victory-in-europe/ >.


    About This Page

    By . Originally published May 3, 2016. Last modified June 2, 2020.

    Filed Under: History, History, Holidays

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