The long road from darkness to dawn.
September 1, 1939
Germany invades Poland. World War II begins in Europe.
June 4, 1944
Rome liberated. The first Axis capital falls to the Allies.
June 6, 1944
D-Day. Allied forces land on the beaches of Normandy.
August 25, 1944
Paris liberated after four years of occupation.
January 27, 1945
Auschwitz liberated by Soviet forces. The world learns the full horror.
April 12, 1945
President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies. He does not live to see victory.
April 30, 1945
Hitler dies in his bunker. Berlin is surrounded.
May 2, 1945
Berlin surrenders to Soviet forces.
May 7, 1945
Germany signs unconditional surrender at Reims, 2:41 AM.
May 8, 1945
V-E Day. Victory in Europe. The guns fall silent at last.