End of Hitler and Third Reich Apr-May 1945

Failures

• After the Battle of the Bulge, Germany is on the defensive

• Hitler relies on technology to save Germany

• This includes the V1 and the V2, which were aimed at London

V2 launchsites

Europeanprisonersworking

• Could be shot down

• http://www.metacafe.com/watch/243002/german_v2_rocket_launch_failures/

• Nazis tried to create a nuclear weapon, but were not fast enough

• Hitler orders the defense of Germany to the last man

• Hitler’s scientists created new jet fighters

ME 262 Jet Fighter

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1npc6_me262-at-the-ila2006-in-berlin-orig_auto

• On Nov. 20th, 1944, Hitler retreats from his headquarters at Rastenburg (goes to Berlin)

• On Feb 4th 1945, Allies meet at Yalta to discuss post-war plans

• Allies allow Soviets to enter Berlin first

Fall of Berlin

• Soviets begin their assault on Berlin April 16th, 1945

• Hitler commits suicide April 30th, 1945 and the Soviets occupy the Reichstag that night

• Hitler shot himself; his wife of one day used cyanide and he poisoned his dogs

• General Alfred Jodl signs the surrender for all German forces May 7th 1945

Results

• WW II is over in Europe• Nazi war crimes revealed• Many top Nazi leaders will be put

on trial at Nuremberg • More will be hunted for decades• Will lay foundations for Cold War

• http://fr.truveo.com/Operation-Paperclip-The-Hunt-for-Nazi-Scientists/id/1173793746

Nuremberg Writing Assignment• Pretend you are participating in

the Nuremberg trials as a lawyer• Think of 10 questions you would

ask Hitler• Also, is Hitler guilty? Which

counts? Punishment?• You may work with a partner