German Surrender Signed at Reims

By spring 1945, German forces were losing control across Europe. The leadership of the Third Reich could no longer continue the war on two fronts.

By spring 1945, German forces were losing control across Europe. The leadership of the Third Reich could no longer continue the war on two fronts.

On 7 May 1945, representatives of the German command signed an act of unconditional surrender to the Allied forces at Reims.

The document provided for the cessation of hostilities the following day. A separate signing ceremony of a similar instrument later took place in Berlin.

The events of 7 and 8 May should be distinguished: the Reims signing, the entry into force of the surrender, and the Berlin signing occurred at different times and had different political contexts.

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