Battle of Berlin
Berlin, Germany
What happened
Soviet Marshals Georgy Zhukov and Ivan Konev attacked Berlin, defended by German forces under General Gotthard Heinrici and, in the city itself, General Helmuth Weidling. In April 1945, with Germany close to defeat, Soviet armies launched a final offensive toward Berlin, the German capital. After four days of heavy fighting they broke through the German defences on the Seelow Heights, surrounded the city and fought through it street by street. Hitler died on 30 April, and on 2 May General Weidling surrendered the city.
Why it matters
Result: Soviet victory. Leaders: Joseph Stalin / Georgy Zhukov against Adolf Hitler / Gotthard Heinrici. Why it matters: The fall of Berlin ended Nazi Germany's ability to fight. It was one of the last major battles of World War II in Europe.
What came next
Germany surrendered on 8 May 1945, celebrated as Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. Berlin was later divided into East and West.
Did you know?
The famous photograph of Soviet soldiers raising a flag over the Reichstag building was a re-enactment taken the day after the building was captured.
Timeline
- 16 April 1945The Soviet offensive on Berlin begins.
- Late April 1945Soviet forces surround Berlin and fight into the city.
- 30 April 1945Hitler dies.
- 2 May 1945General Weidling surrenders Berlin.
- 8 May 1945Germany surrenders: V-E Day.