We know that the Second World War It was one of the most impactful events in human history. During the six years in which it took place (from 1939 to 1945), the world was transformed in all areas, from the economic level to geographical boundaries. In addition, the devastation of entire cities and the impressive death toll (almost sixty million) engraved a traumatic experience in our memory. However, when exactly World War II ended? We know the year: 1945. But is there a specific date that defines this ending?
Well, in several regions of the world, but mainly in Europe, the end of World War II is celebrated in May, specifically on the 8th. fire” of Allied troops towards the Nazis and those with whom they associated. This “ceasefire” was agreed after the signing of a crucial document for the end of the war on the western front, that is, on the European continent: the capitulation of Germany under the custody of the general of the United States Walter Bell-Smith.
Thus, the end of the war on the European continent effectively dates back to May 8, 1945, and the commemorations that are held in countries such as the United States, England, Russia and other participants in the Allied Front at the time are legitimate and coherent. However, the Second World War did not have its definitive end in May 1945. Conflicts continued in the East against the Japanese Empire, led by the monarch hiroito and member of “Axis Powers”along with Germany and Italy.
Don’t stop now… There’s more after the publicity 😉
In August 1945, on the 6th and 9th, the world would still witness one of the greatest calamities produced by the war: the launching of the atomic bombs by the United States over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the B-29 “Enola Gay” bomber. In addition, other cities in Japan, such as the capital Tokyo and Osaka, were incessantly bombed for days on end with incendiary bombs (see image at the top of the text), which devastated any and all types of building structures.
Attacks on Japan were also carried out by the Soviet Union, as the latter was against Japanese expansionist intentions over Asian territory. The attacks against Japan only ended with the pronouncement, via radio, of Emperor Hiroito to the population, on August 14, expressing the desire to put an end to the war.
On the 2nd of September, Mamoru Shigemistsu It is Yoshijiro UmezoMinister of Foreign Affairs and General Chief of Staff of the Imperial Navy, signed Japan’s surrender term aboard the cruiser Missouri and in the presence of the American general Douglas MacArthur. This gesture effectively ended World War II.
By Me. Cláudio Fernandes