1943-1945
History: Edexcel IGCSE USSR, 1924-1953, topic 5.1.2
The Soviet Invasion of Germany
In 1944, the Soviet Union invaded Germany. When the Red Army reached Berlin, the Third Reich surrendered.
The Battle of Kursk
- In 1943, the Germans launched an assault on Kursk.
- The Red Army survived the attack and launched a counter-offensive.
- The German troops did not have the power to repulse a Soviet attack. They were forced to retreat back into Germany.
The Soviet offensive
- In Operation Bagration, the Soviet Union launched an attack in June 1944 on Germany.
- In July 1944, Minsk in Belarus was recaptured by the Soviets.
- The Soviets proceeded to invade Poland. In January 1945, the Red Army invaded Warsaw.
- In April 1945, the Red Army captured Vienna.
Invasion of Germany
- In April 1945, the Red Army penetrated Prussia.
- On 16 April, the offensive to seize Berlin began.
- By the end of April, the army had entered Berlin.
- On 7 May 1945, Germany surrendered.
Test yourself on 1943-1945
The Soviet Offensive in 1944 and 1945
When did Germany surrender?