What was the treaty that ended World War 2? The answer to this question lies in the Treaty of Berlin, also known as the Potsdam Agreement. Signed on August 2, 1945, this treaty marked the official end of hostilities between the Allied Powers and the Axis Powers, effectively concluding the largest and most devastating conflict in human history.
The Treaty of Berlin was the culmination of extensive negotiations among the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and China, commonly referred to as the Allied Powers. These negotiations took place in the aftermath of the surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945, also known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). The treaty aimed to establish the post-war boundaries of Germany, redistribute its territories, and address the fate of the Axis Powers, particularly Japan.
Under the terms of the Treaty of Berlin, Germany was divided into four occupation zones, each controlled by one of the Allied Powers: the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France. The capital city of Berlin was also divided into four sectors, with each Allied Power exercising control over its respective sector. This division was intended to ensure that Germany would not rise again as a threat to global peace.
Furthermore, the treaty called for the disarmament of Germany, the destruction of its military-industrial complex, and the demilitarization of its borders. It also stipulated the removal of Nazi leaders and the trial of war criminals. The Nuremberg Trials, held from 1945 to 1946, were a direct outcome of the Treaty of Berlin and aimed to bring Nazi leaders to justice for their war crimes.
In addition to the treatment of Germany, the Treaty of Berlin addressed the situation in Japan. The Allies demanded the unconditional surrender of Japan, which was finally achieved on September 2, 1945, with the signing of the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This event, known as Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day), marked the official end of World War 2.
The Treaty of Berlin laid the groundwork for the establishment of the United Nations, an international organization designed to promote peace and security among nations. It also contributed to the Cold War by setting the stage for the division of Europe into two competing spheres of influence: the Western Bloc, dominated by the United States and its allies, and the Eastern Bloc, led by the Soviet Union.
In conclusion, the Treaty of Berlin was the treaty that ended World War 2. It not only marked the formal end of hostilities but also shaped the post-war world order, laying the foundation for the division of Germany and the subsequent Cold War. The treaty’s legacy continues to influence international relations and the global balance of power to this day.
