Cold War Files: All Units: Events: Germany Surrenders

Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel, signing the ratified surrender terms for the German Army at Russian Headquarters in Berlin. Germany, May 7, 1945

Admiral Karl Donitz (leader of Germany since Hitler’s suicide), authorized General Alfred Jodl to conclude an armistace with the Western Allies on May 6 in order to continue the war with Russians. Eisenhower demanded full and unconditional surrender, which the Germans were forced to agree to. On May 7, 1945 at Rheims, France General Jodl signed the document on behalf of the German government. The armistace took effect the next day at 11:00 PM.