May 7, 1945 | Nazi Germany Surrenders in World War II
On this day in history Germany surrenders at Reims.
On May 7, 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, to take effect the following day, ending the European conflict of World War II.
The New York Times published an Associated Press story under the headline ‘The War in Europe is Ended!’ It reported, ‘[The Germans] were asked sternly if they understand the surrender terms imposed upon Germany and if they would be carried out by Germany. They answered Yes. Germany, which began the war with a ruthless attack upon Poland, followed by successive aggressions and brutality in internment camps, surrendered with an appeal to the victors for mercy toward the German people and armed forces.’