How World War II Came To An End

World War II lasted for six long years, from 1939 until 1945. During that time, upwards of 70 million lives were lost in the conflict between the two global military alliances: Great Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union forming the Allies; and Germany, Italy and Japan being the Axis. Culture Trip looks back on history to remember how it all came to an end.

There are a few dates that represent the end of World War II. It begins with a surrender from Germany, is sandwiched by a meeting of the Allied leaders – Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee (Great Britain), Harry S. Truman (United States) and Joseph Stalin (USSR) – and concludes with a surrender from Japan, following a cataclysmic double-whammy of atomic bombs dropped by the United States.

Germany surrenders on 7 May 1945

As the Soviet forces closed in on Nazi Germany’s leader Adolf Hitler, suicide was his only way out. In the time between his death on 30 April and 7 May 1945, negotiations had been made between the new head of state, Karl Dönitz and the Allies. The Germans were surrendering. There was victory in Europe. Winston Churchill announced a national holiday: Victory in Europe Day. Street parties and celebrations ensued, but the war was far from over.

General Alfred Jodl signs the instruments of unconditional surrender on 7 May 1945

With Vice President Harry S. Truman stepping in for Franklin D. Roosevelt who died on 12 April, the Allies’ leaders came together on 17 July 17 to discuss moving forward and rebuilding the world. Among other decisions, they agreed Germany should be demilitarised with criminals of war prosecuted, while they formed a Council of Ministers to prepare peace treaties with Germany’s former allies.

Winston Churchill, Harry S. Truman and Joseph Stalin at the Potsdam Conference in 1945

The United States drops atomic bombs on Japan, 6 and 9 August 1945

There was no turning back when the United States made its final move: dropping two atomic bombs on Japan over three days. It was the crescendo that marked the end of the world war. The first bomb “Little Boy” was dropped on Hiroshima – flattening it and killing at least 70,000 people that day, with radiation poisoning killing many more. Meanwhile, the second “Fat Man” devastated the city of Nagasaki – killing 80,000 from the explosion and radiation. It left Japanese Emperor Hirohito no option but to surrender. He did so on 15 August 1945.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.