By early 1945, it was visible that the world was moving towards the end of Second World War. The events leading to the end of Second World War had national and international impacts. A series of changes happened in India too.
Table of Contents
Hitler’s Suicide, on April 30, 1945, and Germany’s Surrender
As the Second World War progressed, significant developments rapidly unfolded. On April 28, 1945, Benito Mussolini, the leader of Italy’s Fascist regime, met his demise in a violent manner. Shortly thereafter, on April 30, 1945, the German dictator, Adolf Hitler, committed suicide. Subsequently, on 8 May 1945, Germany formalized its surrender by endorsing an unconditional capitulation document, relinquishing all German forces to the Allied powers.
Japan’s Surrender, August 15, 1945
Despite Germany’s surrender, Japan exhibited a steadfast reluctance to concede defeat, prolonging the conflict in the Pacific region. In a bid to compel Japan’s surrender, the United States resorted to an unprecedented measure. On August 6, 1945, the U.S. unleashed an atomic bomb, codenamed ‘Little Boy,’ upon the city of Hiroshima in Japan, resulting in the immediate obliteration of the city and the tragic loss of approximately 78,000 lives. A mere three days later, on August 9, 1945, another atomic bomb, named ‘Fat Man,’ was deployed over Nagasaki, claiming the lives of approximately 15,000 individuals.
Ultimately, on August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito of Japan announced the cessation of hostilities and acceded to the terms set forth by the Allied powers.
Subhash Chandra Bose’s Plane Crash, August 18, 1945
Tragically, three days after Japan’s surrender announcement, on August 18, 1945, a catastrophic event unfolded. The Mitsubishi Ki-21 military aircraft, transporting Subhas Chandra Bose, the esteemed leader of the Indian National Army (INA), met a fatal end over the Japanese-administered island of Formosa (present-day Taiwan). In the aftermath of the crash, it was reported that Subhas Chandra Bose sustained severe burn injuries, succumbing to them a few hours later. Habib-ur Rahman, Bose’s chief of staff in Singapore, who was also aboard the ill-fated plane, suffered injuries but managed to survive the incident.
End of Second World War, September 2, 1945
The definitive conclusion of the Second World War was formally marked on September 2, 1945, with the signing of a formal surrender document by Japan aboard the USS Missouri, an American battleship. This date, September 2, 1945, universally signifies the conclusive and official termination of the Second World War, a global conflict that had commenced six years earlier on September 1, 1939.
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