Allied forces occupied most of Germany by the end of April 1945. German forces fighting in Italy were the first to surrender unconditionally to the Allies. Representatives of the German command in Italy signed the surrender on April 29, and it became effective on May 2, 1945. Five days later, on May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered unconditionally to the western Allies, ending the war in Europe.
At Allied Mediterranean headquarters in Italy, the Germans unconditionally give up all of Italy and southern Austria. In civilian clothes, representatives of the German army sign the surrender document. General W. D. Morgan, representing Supreme Mediterranean Commander [Harold] Alexander, signs for the Allies. Preceding the final capitulation at Reims, this surrender eliminated a million German troops. Inside Germany itself, the Allies seize the famous stadium of Nuremberg, scene of countless Nazi Party rallies. With the capture of this famous southern German city, the American flag blots out the swastika. In a symbolic gesture, American troops destroy the Nazi Party emblem.
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