Battle of Berlin
1945 · Berlin, Germany · World · Modern
Soviet forces forced a crossing of the Oder, encircled Berlin and captured the Reichstag.
Belligerents
Soviet Union
- Commanders
- Zhukov, Konev
- Strength
- About 2.5 million, a sea of guns and tanks
Germany
- Commanders
- Heinrici, Weidling
- Strength
- Remnant defenders, about 1 million
Background
Driving into the German heartland from the east, Soviet forces launched a general assault on the Nazi capital.
Course of the battle
- BreakthroughAfter fierce fighting on the Seelow Heights, Soviet forces broke through the Oder line.
- EncirclementTwo Soviet fronts drove forward in a pincer movement to seal off Berlin.
- Street fightingStreet by street they fought their way forward, and the Red Banner was raised over the Reichstag.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1945 |
|---|---|
| Place | Berlin, Germany |
| Result | Soviet forces forced a crossing of the Oder, encircled Berlin and captured the Reichstag. |
| Winner | Soviet Union |
| Casualties | Each side suffered casualties in the hundreds of thousands, and Berlin was reduced to ruins. |
| Territorial change | Nazi Germany surrendered, and the war in Europe came to an end. |
Impact
The curtain fell on the war in Europe, and the Third Reich was destroyed.
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