68 years ago, Germany signed its surrender in World War II

The photo that opens this story, in which you can see Wehrmacht High Command Chief of Operations General Alfred Jodl (center), accompanied by Major Wihelm Oxenius (left) and Admiral Hans-Georg von Friedeburg (left) right) shows the moment when the Germans signed the terms of unconditional surrender to their allies at Rheims HQ in France, ending World War II.

That historic moment, which ended the 6 years of bloody conflicts in Europe, turned 68 this week. Although Germany signed several surrender terms in 1945, it was the one pictured above, exactly on May 7, that formalized the handover of Adolf Hitler's Nazi Forces shortly after the Fürher committed suicide during the Battle of Berlin in April 30th.

Unconditional surrender

By agreeing to the unconditional surrender, the Germans waived any guarantees, including those described by the laws of international law. After the signing of the terms, which occurred at 2:41 am on May 7, 1945, the German army's activities and operations ceased at 23:01 the next day.

The date became known as Victory in Europe Day's “VE Day, ” and began major celebrations in Europe and the US, but they were especially grand in the UK, where More than 1 million people stormed the streets of London to celebrate.