Description

The Battle of Berlin (in German “Schlacht um Berlin”) was the final clash in the European theater of World War II. Beginning on April 16, 1945, the Red Army launched the great attack on the Oder line to destroy the German forces defending the heart of Germany and conquer the capital of the Reich. After fierce fighting, heavy losses for both sides and some desperate attempts of resistance by the small and uneven German forces, the Soviets, with a clear numerical, land and air superiority, succeeded in carrying out their mission, destroying or capturing the bulk of the enemy forces and surrounding and conquering Berlin (May 2, 1945). Already on April 30, Adolf Hitler, who had decided to organize the last resistance, had committed suicide to avoid falling into enemy hands. The Third Reich officially surrendered on May 8, 6 days after the end of the battle.