World War II in Europe formally ended on May 8, 1945, known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This day marked the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied Forces, effectively concluding the European theater of the war. The surrender came after a prolonged conflict marked by intense battles, significant loss of life, and widespread devastation across Europe. May 8 was celebrated as a day of liberation, reflecting the end of oppressive regimes and the beginning of post-war recovery efforts aimed at rebuilding Europe and establishing lasting peace agreements to prevent further conflict.