This Date In History: Germany Surrenders To The Allies On May 7, 1945, Effectively Ending World War II (PHOTOS)

Today In History: Germany Surrenders To The Allies
General Alfred Jodl (1890 - 1946) Hitler's military advisor, controller of German High Command and chief of the Operations Staff (centre), signs the document of surrender (German Capitulation) of the German armed forces at Reims in General Eisenhower's headquarters. He is joined by Major Wilhelm Oxenius (left) and Hans Georg von Friedeburg, Admiral of the Fleet (right). Original Publication: People Disc - HF0475 (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
General Alfred Jodl (1890 - 1946) Hitler's military advisor, controller of German High Command and chief of the Operations Staff (centre), signs the document of surrender (German Capitulation) of the German armed forces at Reims in General Eisenhower's headquarters. He is joined by Major Wilhelm Oxenius (left) and Hans Georg von Friedeburg, Admiral of the Fleet (right). Original Publication: People Disc - HF0475 (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

On May 7, 1945, Germany officially surrendered to the Allies, bringing an end to the European conflict in World War II. General Alfred Jodl, representing the German High Command, signed the unconditional surrender of both east and west forces in Reims, France, which would take effect the following day. As a result, May 8 was declared Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a holiday still celebrated by many European countries.

Check out these photos of Germany's surrender to the Allied Forces:

Germany Surrenders

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