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