Description

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Context:

As the world faces geopolitical concerns, Europeans commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which marks the end of World War II.

What is Victory in Europe (VE) Day?

Victory in Europe Day commemorates the formal recognition by the Allies of World War II of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, May 8, 1945, marking the official end of all German military activities.

Most former Soviet republics, as well as some others, commemorate on May 9, as Germany's unconditional surrender took effect at 23:01 on May 8, Central European Summer Time, which corresponded to 00:01 on May 9, Moscow Time.

Historical Significance

VE Day (May 8, 1945) commemorates the end of WWII in Europe, a time of relief and hope that is now remembered with varying tones in the East and West.
The difference in memorial dates — May 8 in Western Europe and May 9 in Russia reflects ongoing Cold War tensions and historical differences.

Russia vs. Western Europe: View and Response

	Russia	Western Europe
Commemoration Date	May 9	May 8
Reason for Different Dates	Stalin demanded a second surrender signing in Berlin.	German surrender on May 7, 1945, was accepted on May 8, 1945.
Focus of Commemoration	Emphasizes Soviet military losses and contributions.	Marks the end of World War II in Europe.
Soviet Military Losses	26 million Soviet casualties, including 11 million military deaths.	N/A
Controversy	Delayed second-front opening by the USSR and initial alliance with Nazi Germany.	N/A

Modern Military Parades and Historical Narratives

Russia's Victory Day has evolved into a major military spectacle, reflecting current global tensions, particularly following its invasion of Ukraine. This year's parade is even more significant because it includes international leaders such as China's President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, Western Europe focuses on solemn memory.

The Marshall Plan and NATO

After WWII, the United States helped Western Europe recover through the Marshall Plan and NATO.
President Truman referred to these efforts as "two halves of the same walnut", combining economic revival and security.
Western European countries pushed for economic and political unification, as indicated by Germany's Bundestag abolishing defence spending constraints.

Marshall Plan:

The Marshall Plan, introduced in 1948, was a U.S. initiative to aid Western Europe's recovery after World War II, providing financial support for rebuilding economies and preventing the spread of communism. The plan helped stabilize European nations and fostered economic growth, strengthening political ties between the U.S. and Europe.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization):

Founded in 1949, NATO is a military alliance between North American and European countries aimed at collective defense against common threats. The organization’s principle of mutual defense, outlined in Article 5, has made it a cornerstone of international security and cooperation throughout the Cold War and beyond.

Global and Post-Colonial Amnesia

Commemoration Gaps	VE Day often overlooks the contributions of colonised peoples (Asia, Africa, Caribbean) in WWII.
Global Impact of WWII	WWII was a global conflict, a clash of empires, affecting millions beyond Europe.
Insularity of Western Narratives	Western-centric narratives foster historical amnesia and exclude non-European perspectives.

Practice Question

Q. Which one of the following is referred to as "Victory in Europe Day" (VE Day)?

A. The day Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939
B. The day Japan surrendered in the Pacific War
C. The day Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles
D. Allied acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II.

Answer: D