We know that the Second World War it was one of the most impactful events in human history. During the six years that it has passed (from 1939 to 1945), the world has changed in all areas, from the economic plan to the geographical boundaries. In addition, the devastation of entire cities and the impressive death toll (almost sixty million) imprinted a traumatic experience in our memory. However, when exactly ended the second world war? We know the year: 1945. But is there a specific date that defines this end?
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. This is because it was planned for the night of that day (May 8, 1945) the “cease-fire” of the allied troops in relation to the Nazis and those with whom they were associated. This "cease-fire" was agreed upon after the signing of a crucial document for the end of the war on the front Western, that is, on the European continent: the capitulation of Germany in the custody of the General of States United Walter Bell-Smith.
Thus, the end of the war on the European continent effectively refers to May 8, 1945, being legitimate and coherent the celebrations that are held in countries such as the United States, England, Russia and other participants of the front allied to the era. However, World War II 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 the "Axis Powers", together with Germany and Italy.
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
In August 1945, on the 6th and 9th, the world would still witness one of the greatest calamities produced by the war: the launch of the atomic bombs by the United States over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the B-29 bomber plane “enola gay”. In addition, other cities in Japan, such as the capital Tokyo and Osaka, were incessantly bombed for days followed by incendiary bombs (see image at the top of the text), which devastated any type of structure building.
Attacks on Japan were also carried out by the Soviet Union, since the latter stood against Japanese expansionist pretensions to 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 end the war.
On September 2nd, Mamoru Shigemistsu and Yoshijiro Umezo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and 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
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
FERNANDES, Claudio. "Was the Second World War ended in May 1945?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/a-segunda-guerra-acabou-maio-1945.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
