The Soviet Invasion of Germany

What was the Soviet invasion of Germany?

The Soviet invasion of Germany occurred in the last few years of the Second World War from 1944 to 1945.

What happened during the Soviet invasion of Germany?

There were 6 main events that occurred:

• ❖ In July 1943, the Germans launched an attack on the USSR army at Kursk, in Russia. It failed, and the Germans began to retreat back to Germany.
• ❖ In June 1944, the Soviet Union launched an attack on Germany.
• ❖ In July 1944, the Soviets recaptured Minsk, in Belarus, and began their invasion of Poland.
• ❖ In January 1945, the Red Army invaded Warsaw.
• ❖ In April 1945, the Red Army captured Vienna. From there they could march into Germany.
• ❖ By the end of April 1945, the army broke through into Berlin.

Why did Germany surrender after the Soviet invasion?

Germany surrendered because:

• ❖ By spring 1945, the Soviets were approaching Berlin from the east and the Western Allies were approaching the city from the west.
• ❖ Hitler committed suicide because he knew defeat was imminent.
• ❖ Karl Dönitz, Hitler's successor, surrendered to the Allies on 7th May, 1945.