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The end of World War Two

• VE Day - which stands for Victory in Europe Day - was the day near the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe stopped.

• World War Two had begun in 1939.

• By 1945 it was clear Germany was going to lose the war.

• On 8 May 1945, Prime Minister, Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio at 3pm that the war in Europe had ended, after Germany's surrender the day before.

How did the war effect people?

• World War Two changed the lives of many millions of men, women and children all over the world.
• Britain was badly bombed in the Blitz.
• Children who lived in cities had been evacuated to the countryside for safety. Their education and lives had been completely disrupted.

How did people celebrate?

• VE Day was on Tuesday 8 May, 1945. It was an emotional day that millions of people had been waiting for.
• People were extremely happy that the fighting had stopped. There were big celebrations and street parties.
• Huge crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London. People dressed in red, white and blue.
• They cheered as King George VI and his family came onto the balcony to greet everybody.
• Princess Elizabeth (who became Queen in 1952) and her sister were allowed to leave the palace that evening. They celebrated with crowds outside, although they had to do it secretly.

Did you know?

• World War Two was not over yet. There was still fighting against Japan.
• The war with Japan ended in August 1945.
• This was called VJ Day - Victory in Japan Day.

Activity: Quiz – VE Day