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The French & British declared war upon Germany. In the Book Prisoner-B3087 by Gratz Alan, a book about a young boy who is living during the time of world war two. His name is Yanek and his life absolutely turns around when the Germans reach his town. Through thick and thin, Yanek traverses his way camp through camp, eventually making it back home safe and sound. On page 3 of prisoner, "'The British and the French have already declared war on him,' my father said." This was in response into Germany invading Poland. This is important because it's about the start of WW2, but gives a sense of safety to Yanek & his family because his father ensures the altercation won't last more than 6 months.

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the Germans had invaded Poland during this time, basically the start of WW2. According to How Europe Went To War In 1939, "Years of international tension and aggressive expansion by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany culminated in the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939. Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later." It was a dark time for the polish, this is important because it starts a new era in the hall of history. This war will be known as the worst war to exist.

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The Second World War was the most destructive conflict in human history. Years of international tension and aggressive expansion by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany culminated in the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939. Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later.

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The Germans had finally reached Krakow, and was the start of the worst moment in Yanek's life. On page 17, "The Germans ruled Krakow. I was twelve years old. And for the first time in my life, I had begun to doubt my father." Not only was it when his life, he had started to doubt his father during probably the most important part of his life (preteen-teen). This is important because this is the beginning of Yanek's growth during his experience of the Holocaust.

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Mass shooting babyn yar Holocaust encyclopedia "In September 1941, German forces invading the Soviet Union took the city of Kyiv, in what is now the nation of Ukraine, and soon afterward perpetrated one of the most horrific acts of genocide in history. On September 29, they forced much of Kyiv’s Jewish population to go to Babi Yar, also known as Babyn Yar, a ravine located just outside the city." This massacre, (which over 33K Jews were killed by Nazi forces) became a symbol of the brutality in the Holocaust, impacting Jewish and Ukrainian communities. It is still looked back on today and highlights how much atrocities were caused by Nazis.

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Yanek had started to mature and grow, understanding his age and the role he now held in his family. "'Give it to them!' I yelled. 'Give them anything they want!'" This was when their flat was raided, during the raid the Germans were yelling at the people in the flat to give them any valuables they had. Yanek didn't want anyone dying so he decided to not stay quiet and tell people to give up their items to the Soldiers. This is important because it shows the start of Yaneks maturity growth, where he learns to grow as a person and take responsibility for his life.

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Children and elders were taken "On September 5, 1942, the mass deportation known as the “Sperre” began - the roundup and removal of more than 15,000 children, elderly and ill Jews in a one-week period from the Lodz Ghetto." The significance of the Sperre deportation lies in its profound impact on the affected communities and the broader historical context. This event not only marked a critical moment in the displacement of individuals but also highlighted the unfair treatment against groups of people who were seen as below the selves of the Germans. This event in history has been seen by many young and old, but it influences views on Germany and their policy regarding human rights and migration.

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September 1942, A child deported during the “Sperre” in the Lodz Ghetto, Poland

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On September 5, 1942, the mass deportation known as the “Sperre” began - the roundup and removal of more than 15,000 children, elderly and ill Jews in a one-week period from the Lodz Ghetto. This Aktion profoundly shocked the Jews of the ghetto. Although during the deportations of early 1942 there was an illusion that the people were being sent to labor camps, the brutal Aktion of September made it clear to many that deportation meant death

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Yanek's Bar mitzvah was thrown by his close family and was a "man" now. "'you are a man now, with all the duties of an adult under Jewish law. You are now responsible for your own sins, but also for your own goodness. Remember what the Talmud teaches: Life is but a river. It has no beginning, no middle, no end. All we are, all we are worth, is what we do while we float upon it -- how we treat our fellow man. Remember this, and a Goodman you will be.' 'I will Father,' I said." This is important because a bar mitzvah marks a Jewish boy's coming of age. At the ceremony, he takes on new responsibilities for their faith and community. It is a special time for family and friends to celebrate the growth and achievements. Although Yaneks bar mitzvah wasn't big or how it's usually held, he still was given a bar mitzvah by his father & uncle, it still held the same significance as a usual one.

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The German defeat of Stalingrad had forever changed the way the war could've ended up, possibly stopping millions of Jews and other minorities from being killed. German defeat at Stalingrad, Holocaust Encyclopedia, "In February 1943, after months of fierce fighting and heavy casualties, the surviving German forces—only about 91,000 soldiers—surrendered. After the victory at Stalingrad, the Soviet army remained on the offensive, liberating most of Ukraine, and virtually all of Russia and eastern Belorussia during 1943.¨ This loss had significantly altered the trajectory of WWII, by breaking their offense on the Eastern Front, this triggered a strong of Soviet victories, which eventually led to the downfall of Nazis.

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Plaszów Concentration camp 1942-1943 (summer)

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Plaszów Concentration camp 1942-1943 (summer)

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This was a major turning point in Yanek's life during WW2, his life turned around here. "The Nazis snatched me up one day when I was at work." This is really important to the plot of the story because this is when the 'daily life' of Yanek changes. This is when he is first taken to the concentration camp, where he is used for hard labor, and where all (all/learn all) of his family is dead, and he is the only one left, taking over the responsibility of his own life with no one to turn to.

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Treblinka began gassing operations, which ended the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, "SS Special Detachment Treblinka begins gassing operations at the Treblinka killing center. Between July 1942 and November 1943, the SS special detachment at Treblinka murders an estimated 925,000 Jews and an unknown number of Poles, Roma, View this term in the glossary and Soviet prisoners of war in Treblinka 2." The commencement of gassing operations at Treblinka is an important moment in the history of the Holocaust, as it signifies the implimation of a particularly horrific method of mass murder that was done by the Nazi regime. Treblinka, one of the most notorious extermination camps, became a site where Jewish and other targeted groups were sent out to be gased. The use of gas chambers represented a chilling evolution in the Nazi approach to genocide, moving from mass shooting and other forms of execution to a more industrialized way of killing. This event goes to show the extreme lengths to which the Nazis were willing to go in order to fulfill their agenda, reflecting their true hatred, dehumanization, and a sense of racism (being seen above others). The establishment of such camps and going through with gassing reveal the planning of Nazis (how they were gonna kill quick and efficient), but also no remorse at all, which left millions to lose their lives.

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In treszbinia camp, someone had given Yanek a reality check, which had changed him, they knew it but Yanek didn't. On page 117 a man told Yanek, "'You wanted to run off into the woods and fight. But do you see? Do you see what the rest of them think about us? These people would sell you back to the Nazis for a sack of potatoes and then toast you at the dinner table.'" This man had told Yanek that someone would trade him off for potatoes. This meant that people saw Jews and other unwanted people that they were worth food, they were not a person anymore. Their lives were equivalent to a lost dog, returning to their "owners" just for a reward. This had changed Yanek, as he had changed in the later chapters, being less hopeful than he had usually been.

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Allies had made advances on Germany which allowed for them to make Germany surrender, and started the beginning of the end of WWII. The Germans pushed back with fear as Allies surrounded and closed them in, "D-Day put the Allies on a decisive path toward victory. Beginning with the Normandy beaches, they pushed back against Axis forces until Germany was forced to surrender less than a year later." Nazi's hearts dropping to their feet as they surrender, the allies close in on them, the barrels of their guns staring right into the German's eyes.

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The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944 brought together the land, air and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest invasion force in human history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. The beaches were given the code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO and SWORD. The invasion force included 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops from England, Canada and the United States landed on D-Day. Casualties from the three countries during the landing numbered 10,300. By June 30th, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores. Fighting by the brave soldiers, sailors and airmen of the allied forces western front, and Russian forces on the eastern front, led to the defeat of German Nazi forces. On May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France.

Order of the Day, June 6, 1944:

General Eisenhower's determination that operation OVERLORD (the invasion of France) would bring a quick end to the war is obvious in this message to the troops of the Allied Expeditionary Forces on June 6, 1944, the morning of the invasion.

"Order of the Day" - statement as issued to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force on June 6, 1944 [Museum Manuscripts transferred to the Library FY69, Box 1; NAID #12000995]

"Order of the Day" - draft of statement [Ray W. Barker Papers, 1942-46, Box 1, Papers Pertaining to COSSAC and SHAEF, 1942-1945 (1); NAID #12010107]

In Case of Failure of the D-Day Operation:

Following the decision for the cross channel invasion, General Eisenhower wrote a press release on a pad of paper, to be used if necessary. The handwritten message by General Eisenhower, the "In Case of Failure message," is mistakenly dated "July" 5 instead of "June" 5.

In Case of Failure Message [Eisenhower's Pre-Presidential Papers, Principal File, Box 168, Butcher Diary June 28 - July 14, 1944 (2); NAID #186470] Transcript

Prelude to Operation Overlord:

The Trident Conference, May 1943 [Combined Chiefs of Staff: Conference Proceedings, Box 2, Trident Conference May 1943 Papers and Minutes of Meetings; NAID #12005142]

The Quadrant Conference, August 1943 [Combined Chiefs of Staff: Conference Proceedings, Box 2, Quadrant Conference August 1943 Papers and Minutes of Meetings; NAID #12005143]

Harry Butcher, Naval Aide to General Eisenhower, Diary Entry, October 5, 1943 [Eisenhower's Pre-Presidential Papers, Principal File, Box 167, Diary-Butcher Oct. 1 - Dec. 30 1943 (1); NAID #12004922]

The Sextant and Eureka Conferences, November-December 1943 [Combined Chiefs of Staff: Conference Proceedings, Box 2, Sextant Conference November-December 1943 Papers and Minutes of Meetings; NAID #12005144]
Handwritten note from President Roosevelt to Marshal Stalin appointing General Eisenhower to command Operation Overlord. General George Marshall added a note to Eisenhower on December 7, 1943
Overlord - Anvil Papers, December 1943 - April 1944 Part 1 [Walter Bedell Smith Collection of World War II Documents, Box 21, Overlord-Anvil Paper (1); NAID #12009137]

Overlord - Anvil Papers, December 1943 - April 1944 Part 2 [Walter Bedell Smith Collection of World War II Documents, Box 21, Overlord-Anvil Paper (6); NAID #12005073]

Operation Policy Memoranda, January 29, 1944 [DDE's Pre-Presidential Papers, Box 136, Conferences Supreme Commanders (Jan-June 1944); NAID #12005223]

British Assault Area - Naval Operation Orders, May 15, 1944 [Walter Bedell Smith Collection of World War II Documents, Box 48, British Assault Area - Naval Operation Orders Operation Neptune (1); NAID #12004565]

Minutes of the SCAEF 21st Meeting, June 2, 1944 [DDE's Pre-Presidential Papers, Box 136, Conferences Supreme Commanders (Jan-June 1944); NAID #12004923]

Conditions in Normandy, June 3, 1944 [DDE's Pre-Presidential Papers, Box 137, Crusade In Europe (Documents) (3); NAID #12005079]

Reports:

Report of the 8th Air Force, Normandy Invasion, June 2-17, 1944 [Walter Bedell Smith Collection of World War II Documents, Box 48, Eight Air Force Tactical Operations in Support of Allied Landings in Normandy June 2-17 1944 (1); NAID #12005069]

Report of the Amphibious Operations, Invasion of Northern France, Western Task Force, United States Fleet, June 1944 [Walter Bedell Smith Collection of World War II Documents, Box 48, Amphibious Operations Invasion of Northern France - Western Task Force June 1944; NAID #12005066]

Report of the 82nd Airborne Division, "Operation Neptune" at Normandy, June 6 - July 8, 1944 [U.S. Army Unit Records, Box 6, 82nd Airborne Division in Normandy France - Operation Neptune; NAID #12004816]

After Action Report, 115th Infantry, June 1944 [U.S. Army Unit Records, Box 867, 115th Infantry Regiment After Action Report June 1944; NAID #12004462]

After Action Report, Headquarters, 22nd Infantry, July 21, 1944 [U.S. Army Unit Records, Box 791, HQ 22nd Infantry Regiment After Action Report June 1944; NAID #12004463]

SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces) Messages:

SHAEF Incoming Message from General Eisenhower to General Marshall concerning the first reports of the Normandy landing, June 6, 1944 [DDE's Pre-Presidential Papers, Box 133, Cables Official (GCM/DDE February 19 - October 18, 1944) (4); NAID #594652]

SHAEF Message from General Eisenhower reporting on the D-Day landing area, June 8, 1944 [DDE's Pre-Presidential Papers, Box 130, Cables-(C.C.S. October 1943 - July 1945) (2); NAID #12009139]

Journal Entries:

Journal entries from the 16th Infantry Regiment Journal, June 6-17, 1944 [U.S. Army Unit Records, Box 1264, 16th Infantry Regiment Journal June 6-17 1944; NAID #12004868]

Additional Information:
D-Day: Planning Overlord Subject Guide D-Day: The Invasion Subject Guide
Photographs:

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World War II: D-Day, The Invasion of Normandy

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The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944 brought together the land, air and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest invasion force in human history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France.

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Yanek had gone on a death march, which was a traumatic experience for Yanek, but also a slight sign of hope. On page 169, "There was no water. We ate snow when we stopped for the night, caught flakes on our tongues as we walked. WE slept in the open when there was no barn or shed to be found, which was most nights, sleeping on top of one another like dogs for the warmth." This is important because the death march was a really important part of the Holocaust, the reason why it had even happened was because the Germans were attacked, so they had to flee in which the death march happened. The death march is historically looked back on because it only occured

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Holocaust memorial day trust

On 27 January 1945, Soviet soldiers liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and death camp. "As Soviet forces approached the camp, the Nazis killed several thousand prisoners, and began evacuating others from the camps, forcing them to go on gruelling death marches." The Soviet Union's final attack on Berlin, known as the Battle of Berlin, was a huge moment in the concluding stages of WWII in Europe. Started in April of 1945, this massive offense was not only aimed at defeating Germany, but also at bringing an end to the war in Europe, which had taken over Europe for nearly six years. The successful capture of Berlin was essential for the Soviets, as it represented the Nazis as a whole, and destroying it would symbolize taking them down as a whole. By decisively pushing into Berlin, the Soviets aimed to secure their influence over the capital, and possibly the surrounding regions. The capture of Berlin would allow the Soviet's to Establish a strong hold of central Europe, which would be key to start the end of the war.

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Yanek had finally gotten sick of everything he was put through and wanted to die. He thought of how even if he got out, it would still be bad because of the concentration camps. Pipes rattled and shook and men weeped and prayed. The cold air swirled around the room with anticipation as the silver shower heads wait to spew out deadly gas which would fill the room and put those who were in the same room, to sleep, "Kill me, I prayed. Please kill me and put an end to this. I'm ready." Yanek had been from camp to camp, being endlessly put to work. Eventually, he was transported to another camp and was forced into a small room with many other men, shower heads were above them all and everyone was awaiting death. Yanek had gotten sick of how each of the camps had treated him, so he stood right under the shower head and taunted it. This broke the cycle of Yaneks mindset, throughout the book before this scene, Yanek had always been hopeful about getting out and everything around him. This moment in time, Yanek had finally realized how bad everything was around him, this was the first suicidal thought or experience he had.

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Liberation Route Europe, "On 16 April 1945, the Soviet forces started the final offensive against the German capital. They tried to encircle Berlin in a pincer movement. But the attempted fast breakthrough into Berlin did not materialize." The Soviet Union's final attack on Berlin, known as the Battle of Berlin, was a crucial moment near the ending of WWII in Europe. Started in April 1945, this massive offense was not only aimed at defeating Germany but also bringing the end to the war in Europe, which had ravaged the continent for nearly six years. The successful capture of Berlin was essential for the Soviets, as it represented the heart of Germany/Nazi power. The offensive showcased the strength and resilience of the Soviet military, which had gone under much transformation and evolution just because of the war.

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On 22 June 1944, two weeks after the Allied landings in Normandy, the Soviet army initiated its campaign against the German forces. On 16 October Soviet troops crossed the German border. Joseph Stalin, the head of State of the Soviet Union, was in a hurry to get to Berlin before the Americans. He wanted above all to demonstrate Soviet military might and achieve a favourable post-war negotiating position. However, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt was not interested in conquering Berlin. He wanted the Soviet Union as an ally in the war against Japan, and above all as a partner in the creation of a stable post-war world order.

On 16 April 1945, the Soviet forces started the final offensive against the German capital. They tried to encircle Berlin in a pincer movement. But the attempted fast breakthrough into Berlin did not materialize. Instead it took them four days and many casualties to get past the Seelow Heights, situated about 70 km east of Berlin.

On 21 April, the first Soviet units finally entered Berlin. In house-to-house fighting the Soviet soldiers faced desperate German resistance. The Western Allies stopped their air attacks on 16 April 1945. The Soviet Union continued the air war to support the ground offensive in Berlin.
On 2 May 1945, the Berlin garrison surrendered to the Soviet army. The human cost of the battle of Berlin had been enormous. The Soviets counted over 80.000 dead. German losses are estimated at almost 50.000.

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On 22 June 1944, two weeks after the Allied landings in Normandy, the Soviet army initiated its campaign against the German forces. On 16 October Soviet troops crossed the German border. Joseph Stalin, the head of State of the Soviet Union, was in a hurry to get to Berlin before the Americans.

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Different camps that Yanek were sent to were all relentless

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Holocaust Memorial Day Trust "On 29 April 1945 the prisoners of Dachau were liberated by US Army soldiers. Dachau was the first concentration camp to be constructed by the Nazis and one of the last to be liberated. Over 180,000 individuals had been imprisoned in the camp by the time it was liberated." Dachau concentration camp held significant historical importance as one of the first Nazi concentration camps established in Germany, serving as a model for others. It held thousands of political prisoners, Jews, and other groups, showing the harsh realities of the Holocaust. The camp's existence highlighted the extreme cruelty of the Nazi regime and helped raise awareness about the dangers of hatred and discrimination. Its history serves as a reminder of the importance of tolerance and the need to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

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Hitler's suicide was tragic to Germany, but had given the Soviet Union an advantage. "As Soviet troops entered the heart of Berlin, Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945, in his underground bunker. Although there is some speculation about the manner of his death, it is widely believed that he shot himself." In the final days of war, as Soviet troops encircled Berlin, Hitler's mental and physical health deteriorated. He was increasingly isolated, surrounded by a small group of loyal aides and military officers who were also aware of the dire situation. On the day of his death, Eva Braun, which was his wife, (were believed to) commit suicide, it it believed that Hitler had shot himself, while Eva took cyanide. Hitler's suicide marked a significant turning point in the war, leading to the eventual surrender of Germany of May 7th, 1945.

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As Soviet troops entered the heart of Berlin, Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945, in his underground bunker. Although there is some speculation about the manner of his death, it is widely believed that he shot himself. Eva Braun, whom he had recently married, also took her own life. According to his wishes, both bodies were burned and buried. Almost immediately, however, conspiracy theories began. The Soviets initially claimed that they were unable to confirm Hitler's death and later spread rumors that he was alive. According to subsequent reports, however, the Soviets recovered his burnt remains, which were identified through dental records. Hitler's body was secretly buried before being exhumed and cremated, with the ashes scattered in 1970.

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As Soviet troops entered the heart of Berlin, Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945, in his underground bunker. Although there is some speculation about the manner of his death, it is widely believed that he shot himself. Eva Braun, whom he had recently married, also took her own life.

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The Holocaust had officially ended, ending the horrid war which had taken the lives of million innocents by the hands of Germans. "On May 8, 1945, World War II in Europe came to an end. As the news of Germany’s surrender reached the rest of the world, joyous crowds gathered to celebrate in the streets, clutching newspapers that declared Victory in Europe (V-E Day). Later that year, US President Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II" The end of WWII in 1945 marked a monumental turning point in global history, as it not only brought an end to years of devastating conflict but also ushered a new era characterized by hope, reconstruction, and international cooperation. The war had inflicted unimaginable suffering, with millions of lives lost, cities reduced to rubble, and economies shattered. As the dust settled , there was a palpable sense of relief among people around the world who had endured the horrors of war. The collective yearning for peace and stability became a powerful driving force in the post-war period.

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On May 8, 1945, World War II in Europe came to an end. As the news of Germany's surrender reached the rest of the world, joyous crowds gathered to celebrate in the streets, clutching newspapers that declared Victory in Europe (V-E Day). Later that year, US President Harry S. Truman announced Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. The news spread quickly and celebrations erupted across the United States. On September 2, 1945, formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri, designating the day as the official Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day).

V-J Day was especially momentous-the gruesome and exhausting war was officially over-but the day was also bittersweet for the many Americans whose loved ones would not be returning home. "More than 400,000 Americans gave their lives to secure our nation's freedom, and in the midst of exultation, there was recognition that the true meaning of the day was best represented by those who were not present to celebrate," said Robert Citino, PhD, Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at The National WWII Museum.

Seventy-six years later, The National WWII Museum will pay tribute to the historic anniversaries, as well as the myriad servicemembers and Home Front workers who helped preserve freedom and democracy.

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The End of World War II 1945 | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans

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Explore articles, web series, podcast episodes, live webinars and more from the Museum about the end of World War II.