Why Stalin Refused To Accept Germany's First Surrender Document
Due to warring ideologies, tussles between the Soviet Union and its allies, and the legacy of the First World War,
Germany actually surrendered twice. Germany signed unconditional surrender at Reims on May 7, 1945.
Stalin argued that since the U.S.S.R. had sacrificed the most troops and civilians during the war,
its most important military commander should accept Germany's surrender rather than the
Soviet officer who had witnessed the signing in Reims. So Germany surrendered again — in Berlin, on May 8.
Two different rooms. Two different documents. Two different moments that each claim to be the moment WWII ended.
The Soviet Union celebrates May 9 as Victory Day — the day after the second surrender took effect.
The West celebrates May 8. The same war. The same victory. Two dates. Two surrenders. One profound
Germany actually surrendered twice. Germany signed unconditional surrender at Reims on May 7, 1945.
Stalin argued that since the U.S.S.R. had sacrificed the most troops and civilians during the war,
its most important military commander should accept Germany's surrender rather than the
Soviet officer who had witnessed the signing in Reims. So Germany surrendered again — in Berlin, on May 8.
Two different rooms. Two different documents. Two different moments that each claim to be the moment WWII ended.
The Soviet Union celebrates May 9 as Victory Day — the day after the second surrender took effect.
The West celebrates May 8. The same war. The same victory. Two dates. Two surrenders. One profound
