The 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory
On May 8, 1945, the German Instrument of Surrender was signed by Marshall of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov. It was the document that effected the extinction of Nazi Germany. The next day, May 9, 1945, Joseph Stalin made a speech to Soviet people, which meant that it was an end of World War II in Europe. This day is remembered by citizens of Russia and the former USSR countries to this day. May 9 is an official day off in Russia and a revered holiday. This year celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory.
During the Great Patriotic War 5 of the most significant and major battles happened:
Battle of Leningrad (July 10 1941 – August 9 1944). The Battle of Leningrad was the reason why the Hitlerite Wehrmacht was completely defeated on the Northern Front.
Battle of Moscow (September 30 1941 – April 20 1942). Moscow was the main target of the German army, but the pass to the city took more than everybody thought. The failure of German forces at Moscow doomed Germany to fighting a prolonged struggle on the Eastern Front.
Battle of Stalingrad (July 17 1942 – February 2 1943). The Battle of Stalingrad became a turning point in the Great Patriotic War, after which the Soviet troops moved from strategic defense to strategic offensive.
Battle of Kursk (July 5 1943 – August 23 1943). After the end of the battle, the German military lost opportunity to carry out offensive operations and their entire front went into defense.
Berlin Strategic Offensive Operation (April 16 1945 – May 8 1945). The goal of the operation was to conquer the German capital and end the war on the European front as soon as possible.
About 40 million people died only at European Continent and over 4 trillion in total losses. Many countries suffered because of the War, but global efforts led to the elimination of the threat of human enslavement.