1. Victory in Europe

2. The Campaign in the West Troops land in France on June 6 th 1944 mid August, most of North-West France is retaken and Soviets are at the German border in the East By Autumn Germany was completely surrounded, allies have air superiority (fuel shortage in Germany) and can launch extended air raids October 20 – Hitler orders conscription of every man aged 16-60 – Germany will fight to the last man Winter of 44-45 – German counter offensive delays western invasion force

5. The Race to Berlin Stalin sacrificed tens of thousands to beat the allies to Berlin even though they had agreed to split the city among them Nazis terrified of retribution if Soviets capture – 23 million Soviets (soldiers and civilians) had died in the war Stalin had his commanders compete – this competition led to brutal tactics One used wave tactics – a German gunner describes 'We started to fire at the masses,' says one former German machine gunner. 'They weren't human beings for us. It was a wall of attacking beasts who were trying to kill us. You yourself were no longer human.'

6. Why Race? Initially thought because of mistrust Recent research into Soviet archives revel other motivations Germany had nuclear program Kaiser Wilhelm Institute 'the uranium oxide they found in Berlin was enough to kick start Operation Borodino and allow them to start working on their first nuclear weapon.'

7. The Battle of Berlin 250 000 people died in the last 20 days 90 000 German troops remained – mostly old men and Hitler Youth No match for the million man army pouring into the city

9. Soviet Retribution Soviet soldiers entering the city indulged in orgies of rape and violence Fueled by the large stocks of alcohol they found in Berlin Based on hospital reports and abortion rates it’s estimated up to 2 million German women were raped in the last 6 months of the war – 100 000 in Berlin

10. Hitler’s Final Hours The Bunker – Führerbunker moved in command staff in January 1945 Last time outside was April 20 (his 56 th B-Day) to give Iron Crosses to the Hitler Youth still fighting Hitler’s final hours Hitler’s final hours were spent in megalomaniacal madness, giving orders that could not be followed – sure that the loss was not his fault April 30 th 1945 Hitler commits suicide with his new wife (of a few hours) Eva Braun -he gives orders that his body be burned May 2 ceasefire ordered

11. V-E Day May 8 th 1945 See some articles of celebration in the Globe and Mail Articles