Victory Day: Commemorating 80 Years Since the End of the Great Patriotic War

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, marking the Soviet people’s triumph in the Great Patriotic War, a closer look at the events surrounding Germany’s surrender reveals a complex and intriguing narrative. The official holiday stems from the signing of Germany’s unconditional surrender in Berlin’s Carlshorst district, late on May 8, 1945. However, this was not the first such document.

the First Capitulation: Reims and Stalin’s Disapproval

An initial act of surrender was signed in Reims, France, on May 7th, with a Soviet general among the signatories.Yet, Joseph Stalin deemed this ceremony insufficient and demanded a second, more formal surrender. This raises a crucial question: why was Germany compelled to surrender twice?

Negotiations and Fragmented Surrenders: The Prelude to Unconditional Capitulation

In the closing days of April and early May 1945, numerous German formations began surrendering across various fronts. These localized surrenders highlight the crumbling state of the German military and the desperation of its commanders.

• Italian Front: Army Group “C,” operating in Italy, surrendered on April 29th, with Colonel General Henry von Vietinghoff signing the capitulation.
• berlin Garrison: On May 2nd, the Berlin garrison, led by Artillery General Helmut Weidling, surrendered to the Red Army amidst ongoing battles within the city.
• Northern Front: German forces in Denmark, Holland, and Northwest Germany surrendered to British Field Marshal bernard Montgomery’s armies on May 4th.
• Southern Front: Army Group “G,” under General Friedrich Schulz, surrendered in Bavaria and Western Austria on May 5th.

The shadow of Discord: A Potential Alliance Against the USSR?

Adding another layer of complexity, past accounts suggest that some German generals attempted to negotiate with the Americans and British to continue fighting solely against the Soviet Union. This reflects the deep-seated ideological conflict and the shifting alliances of the time. Such a scenario, had it materialized, could have drastically altered the post-war landscape of Europe.

The generals tried to agree with the Americans and the British to continue to fight only with the USSR.

the Importance of the Second Surrender: Asserting Soviet Authority

Stalin’s insistence on a second surrender ceremony in Berlin was likely driven by a desire to assert Soviet authority and ensure thier central role in the Allied victory. The Eastern Front bore the brunt of the war against Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union suffered immense losses. Thus,Stalin sought to solidify the USSR’s position as a major player in the post-war world.

The Unavoidable End and Initial Negotiations

By the spring of 1945, the collapse of Nazi Germany was a foregone conclusion.Amidst this backdrop of impending defeat, representatives from the Western Allies initiated discussions regarding the terms of Germany’s surrender. Though, the path to a complete and unified capitulation was far from straightforward, fraught with complexities and potential divisions among the Allied forces.

Reims: The First Act of Surrender

On May 5, 1945, the French city of Reims became the stage for a pivotal meeting. US General Walter Bedell Smith, Chief of Staff of the Allied forces in Europe, met with Admiral Hans-Georg von Friedeburg, representing the German High Command. the German delegation sought to convey their willingness to cease hostilities, but with a crucial caveat: only on the Western Front. This proposition was firmly rejected by General Dwight D. Eisenhower,who insisted on a complete and unconditional surrender across all fronts.

Negotiations and soviet Involvement

To navigate the contentious points, Colonel General Alfred Jodl, Chief of Staff of the Wehrmacht High Command, and American General Karl Strong convened in Reims on May 6th. That evening, Major General Ivan Susloparov, head of the Soviet military mission under the Allied headquarters in Europe, received an invitation to Reims, signaling the impending signing of the German surrender. Susloparov promptly relayed this information to Moscow, seeking instructions on how to proceed.

Eisenhower’s Stance and the Demand for Total Capitulation

Eisenhower informed Susloparov that General Jodl was prepared to surrender to the anglo-american forces but intended to continue fighting against the Soviet Union. This proposition directly contradicted the Allied agreement for a unified surrender on all fronts, including the Eastern Front, where the Soviet Union had borne the brunt of the war. Eisenhower, to his credit, did not entertain a separate peace. He maintained pressure on the German military leaders, scheduling the signing ceremony for May 7th.

Susloparov’s Dilemma: Acting Without Orders

Major General Susloparov received the prepared surrender document and instantly dispatched it to Moscow, requesting further instructions.However, he faced a critical dilemma: the response from the Kremlin was delayed. As Army General Sergei Stemenko, a prominent figure in the General Staff during the war, later wrote, Susloparov understood that the Nazi’s maneuver to surrender only before the allies could turn into the case of any oversight of his great misfortune. He meticulously reviewed the document, searching for any hidden implications, but the absence of clear orders from Moscow placed him in a precarious position.

The Act of Surrender and Lingering Tensions

Despite the lack of explicit authorization, Susloparov made a momentous decision. He recognized the historical significance of the moment and the potential ramifications of inaction. He signed the instrument of surrender, but with a crucial caveat: the document would be subject to ratification by his government. This act, born of necessity and a deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape, averted a potential crisis and ensured the unified surrender of Nazi Germany.

A Second Signing in Berlin

Due to Soviet concerns about the Reims surrender being insufficient, a second, more comprehensive surrender ceremony was held in berlin on May 8, 1945. This ceremony, attended by high-ranking representatives from all the Allied powers, solidified the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany and marked the official end of World War II in Europe. The dual surrender ceremonies highlight the complex political dynamics and the crucial role played by individuals like General Susloparov in navigating those complexities to achieve a unified victory.

The Contentious Capitulation: Why Victory Required Two Ceremonies

The unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe, wasn’t a straightforward affair. Actually, it involved two separate signing ceremonies, each with its own political implications and historical significance. This article delves into the reasons behind the dual surrender acts, exploring the tensions and strategic considerations that shaped this pivotal moment in history.

The First Act: Reims and Soviet Disapproval

The initial surrender document was signed in Reims, France, on May 7, 1945, at 02:41 Central European Time.Colonel General Alfred Jodl signed on behalf of the Third Reich. Representing the Allied forces were General Walter Bedell Smith for the Americans and British, and Major General Ivan Susloparov for the USSR. Brigadier General Francois Sevez signed as a witness for France.

Susloparov, acting without explicit instructions, included a crucial clause allowing for a second signing ceremony should any of the Allied nations request it.This foresight potentially saved him from the wrath of Joseph Stalin, who was displeased with the proceedings.

Moscow’s disapproval stemmed from the perceived slight to the Soviet Union. Stalin believed that the primary surrender should occur in Berlin, the heart of Nazi aggression, and involve the supreme commands of all Allied nations.He declared, An agreement signed in Reims cannot be canceled, but it cannot be recognized. The surrender should be made as the most important historical act and is not adopted on the territory of the winners, but where the fascist aggression came from – in Berlin, and not in unilaterally, but necessarily the supreme command of all countries of the anti -Hitler coalition.

The soviets considered the Reims signing a mere “preliminary protocol,” especially as fighting with Nazi troops continued on the Eastern Front. This underscored the immense sacrifices made by the soviet Union during the war, which accounted for an estimated 80% of all German military casualties.

The Second Act: Berlin-Karlshorst and Soviet Satisfaction

Following Stalin’s insistence, a second surrender ceremony was arranged in Berlin-Karlshorst. On May 8,1945,at 22:43 Central European Time (00:43 on May 9 in Moscow),representatives of the Allied forces gathered in the former club of a military engineering school.

Field Marshal Wilhelm keitel,representing the Supreme Command of the Wehrmacht,signed the act of surrender for Germany,along with Colonel General Hans Stumpf (Air Force) and Admiral Hans von Friedburg (Naval Forces). Accepting the capitulation were Marshal Georgy Zhukov, commander of the 1st Belorussian Front, and British Marshal Arthur Tedder, deputy commander in chief of the Allied Expeditionary Force. General Carl Spaatz (USA) and General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny (France) also signed as witnesses.

Notably, Major General Ivan Susloparov, present at the Reims signing, was also in attendance. He learned that Stalin harbored no ill will towards him, likely due to his foresight in Reims.

The ceremony concluded with a celebratory banquet hosted by Marshal Zhukov, who toasted to victory, the Allied soldiers, and the health of all present. This second signing, conducted in Berlin, satisfied Soviet demands and solidified the Allied victory in a manner deemed more appropriate by Stalin.

Legacy of the Surrenders

The dual surrender ceremonies highlight the complex political landscape at the end of World War II. While the Reims signing marked the initial cessation of hostilities, the Berlin-Karlshorst ceremony served as a crucial symbolic gesture, acknowledging the Soviet Union’s immense contribution to the Allied victory and solidifying the unity of the anti-Hitler coalition. Both events remain meaningful historical landmarks, commemorating the end of a devastating conflict and the dawn of a new era.

Marking the End: May 8th and May 9th

The conclusion of World War II in Europe is commemorated on both May 8th and May 9th,depending on the country.Both dates signify the defeat of Nazi Germany, but differing interpretations and historical contexts have led to this dual observance. The United Nations General Assembly, recognizing this, declared November 24, 2004, as days of remembrance and reconciliation, encouraging member states to honor the fallen and celebrate victory, liberation, or both as a tribute to all dead in the Second World War.

The Soviet Announcement and initial Celebrations

For citizens of the Soviet Union,the momentous announcement of Germany’s surrender came on May 9,1945,at 2:10 AM Moscow time. The legendary announcer Yuri Levitan broadcasted the official act of surrender and the decree from the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet,declaring Victory Day a national holiday and a day of rest.

That evening, Moscow marked the occasion with a grand salute, firing thirty volleys from thousands of guns, symbolizing the end of a brutal conflict that claimed the lives of an estimated 27 million Soviet citizens, both military and civilian.

Eyewitness accounts recall widespread jubilation. As one participant noted, celebrations involved toasting to various military branches, from marshals to army cooks. Marshal Zhukov reportedly encouraged offering vodka and snacks to German prisoners of war, so that they celebrate our victory and their defeat.

The First Victory Parade: A Display of Strength

The first Victory Parade took place on Red Square on June 24, 1945, a little over a month after the surrender. Marshal georgy Zhukov accepted the parade, while Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky commanded the troops. Approximately 35,000 military personnel and 1,850 pieces of military equipment participated in the display of Soviet might.

While aviation flyovers and a procession of workers were planned,inclement weather forced their cancellation. The parade culminated in a symbolic act: 200 Soviet soldiers threw captured Nazi banners and standards at the foot of Lenin’s Mausoleum, underscoring the completeness of the victory.

The Case of General Susloparov: A Moment of Independence

Major General Ivan Susloparov played a crucial role in the signing of the German surrender in Reims. Though, his actions were met with scrutiny upon his return to Moscow.He was summoned to provide a written explanation of the events in Reims.

In his report, Susloparov acknowledged that the prospect of signing the surrender act, whether by choice or circumstance, had influenced his judgment, given the anticipation of the war’s end by both military personnel and all progressive humanity.

Despite concerns about his independent actions, some accounts suggest that Joseph Stalin expressed no personal grievances against Susloparov. While his name faded from military-historical texts for a period, he faced no formal repercussions. he later returned to teaching at military universities, including leading a course at the Military Diplomatic academy.

Trump’s Proposed “Victory Day” Renaming

In related news,former President Donald Trump has suggested renaming Veterans Day (November 11th) to “Victory Day for World War I” and designating May 8th as “Victory Day for World War II” [[1]], [[3]].This proposal aims to further emphasize the significance of these historical victories [[2]].

Early Celebrations and Subsequent Quiet Observance

Victory Day, commemorating the triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, has undergone a interesting transformation in its observance. Initially marked with fervent enthusiasm,the holiday experienced a period of relative quiet before resurfacing as a prominent national celebration. The first Victory Parade in Minsk occurred on September 16, 1945, lasting over an hour and filled with gratitude and joy.

“With remarkable warmth, the workers meet the soldiers of the Red army. They see their liberators in their face… Flowers are falling asleep. Young men, girls are suitable for enemy bouquets and present them with flower bouquets and report them commanders and fighters.”

Zvyazda Newspaper,1945

The immediate post-war years saw May 9th recognized as a public holiday in 1946 and 1947. However, this was short-lived. Without official explanation, the day reverted to a working day, with the prevailing sentiment suggesting a need to prioritize the nation’s reconstruction efforts. During this period, Victory Day was largely observed in a more personal and subdued manner, often within family circles or among veterans.

The Resurgence of Grand Celebrations

The 20th anniversary of the war’s end in 1965 marked a turning point.May 9th was once again declared a non-working day, signaling a renewed emphasis on commemorating the victory.this revival was accompanied by grand displays of military might and public remembrance.

Red Square became the focal point of elaborate parades, showcasing military equipment and, for the first time, the victory Banner that had flown over the Reichstag in 1945. This banner, a powerful symbol of triumph, became a central element in Victory Day celebrations.

In a poignant addition to the commemorations, a nationwide minute of silence was observed on television and radio, honoring the immense sacrifices made during the war. This moment of reflection provided a collective possibility for the nation to remember the fallen.

Victory Day in the Late Soviet Era

Leading up to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, large-scale parades and processions featuring war veterans were held in Moscow and the capitals of the Union republics in 1975, 1985, and 1990. These events served as powerful displays of national pride and remembrance, reinforcing the significance of Victory Day within Soviet society.

Contemporary Significance and Observance

Today, Victory Day remains a significant holiday in many countries, notably in Russia and other former Soviet republics. The celebrations often include military parades, fireworks displays, and public gatherings. The day serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made during World War II and a celebration of peace and unity. While the scale and style of celebrations may vary, the underlying message of remembrance and gratitude remains constant.