Transcript Slide 1

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 launch
sites
European
prisoners
working
• Could be shot down
• http://www.metacafe.com/watch
/243002/german_v2_rocket_laun
ch_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_m
• 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/OperationPaperclip-The-Hunt-for-NaziScientists/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