After years of brutal warfare, the world was finally able to celebrate victory.
Japan invaded China in 1937, and two years later the Germans stormed Poland, marking the moment the world became engulfed in war. After countless defeats and setbacks, moments of horror, and many lives lost, 1945 was the year it all came to an end.
On May 8th, 1945, the Germans surrendered to the Allies, and Japan came three months later, after the dropping of atomic bombs. The end of the most brutal conflict in human history was a long-awaited relief, and the world celebrated.
See the soldiers and citizens of the world rejoice in the face of a long-fought-for victory.
1
Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press
February 23, 1945
2
Gaunt Allied prisoners of war, waving flags of the United States, Great Britain, and Holland at Aomori camp near Yokohama, Japan, cheer rescuers from the U.S. Navy
August 29, 1945
3
Raising the First Flag on Iwo Jima by SSgt. Louis R. Lowery
February 23rd, 1945
4
Japanese commanders listen to the terms of surrender aboard an Australian warship
August 15, 1945
5
Victor Jorgensen's VJ Day photo published in The New York Times
August 14th, 1945
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Civilians and service personnel in London celebrating V-J Day
August 15, 1945
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Montreal's Chinese community celebrates V-J Day with a parade in Chinatown
September 2, 1945
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Dancing Man in Sydney
August 15, 1945
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Chinese victory parade in Chongqing
September 3, 1945
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Allied military personnel in Paris celebrating V-J Day
August 15, 1945
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Citizens and workers of Oak Ridge, Tennessee celebrate V-J Day
August 14, 1945
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Crowds celebrating V-J Day in Times Square
August 14, 1945
13
Surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri, Tokyo Bay
September 2nd, 1945
14
Victory celebrations in Toronto
May 8th, 1945
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Victory celebrations in London
May 8th, 1945
16
Four MPs take a break along a German road to read in the "Stars and Stripes" newspaper about the German surrender
May 1st, 1945
17
Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel signing the unconditional surrender of the German Wehrmacht at the Soviet headquarters in Karlshorst, Berlin
May 8th, 1945
18
Piccadilly Square pictured as supporters celebrate VE Day
May 8th, 1945
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Winston Churchill waves to crowds in Whitehall in London as they celebrate VE Day
May 8th, 1945
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US and Soviet sailors and seamen celebrating V-J Day
August 14, 1945
