V-E Day: Victory in Europe

What happened

Germany surrendered unconditionally. General Alfred Jodl signed the surrender at Eisenhower's headquarters in Reims on May 7; a second signing followed in Berlin. The Western Allies proclaimed May 8 as Victory in Europe Day, and crowds celebrated in cities across the world.

Why it matters

V-E Day ended nearly six years of war in Europe — though fighting still raged in the Pacific.

Sources

• The National WWII Museum. V-E Day: Victory in Europe · General source