In 1945, in the absence of television, posters were still an important way of delivering news, as seen here in Zurich’s Paradeplatz. (Keystone)
Keystone
Most businesses, like this one in Zurich, closed their doors to celebrate the end of the war. (RDB)
RDB
In Zurich, the political parties of the left turned out on Helvetiaplatz. Their message: the fight against fascism and capitalism must continue in order for the people to reclaim their liberty. (Keystone)
Keystone
The flags of the Allied countries are waved in the streets of Lausanne. (Keystone)
Keystone
Flags are also brought out in Geneva. (RDB)
RDB
On the docks in Zurich, children use music to call for contributions to the Swiss charity for war victims. Launched by the government in 1944 to aid war victims in Europe, this organisation is the predecessor of today’s Swissaid. (Keystone)
Keystone
This Zurich couple look for recent developments on a day full of news. (RDB)
RDB
May 8 is an opportunity to do some business, as seen here with this sale of flags and posters in the streets of Lausanne. (Keystone)
Keystone
Lausanne: it is easier and safer to joke around in May 1945 than in May 1940…(RDB)
RDB
On May 8, 1945, young people damage the German Office of Tourism on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse. The next day, the office is closed and the “Deutschland” inscription is covered. (Keystone)
Keystone
In Zurich, scouts collect for the Swiss Charity for war victims. (RDB)
RDB
In Geneva, a city traditionally close with France, General de Gaulle is honoured. (RDB)
RDB
Soldiers listen to the chimes in a village in Aargau. On the evening of May 8, all the bells in the country pealed for quarter of an hour to celebrate the end of the fighting. (Keystone)
Keystone
May 8, 1945 marked the official end of the Second World War in Europe. The announcement of the end of hostilities was welcomed with joy and relief in most European countries – neutral Switzerland included. Photographers of the period captured this historic day on film.
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I'm mainly in charge of translating, proofreading and publishing articles for SWI swissinfo.ch. I also occasionally write press reviews and original articles on "Swiss oddities" - the things that make Switzerland unique.
After studying history and religious studies, I began my journalistic career at Radio Fribourg. After a spell in the newsroom at the Swiss Telegraphic Agency, I joined SWI swissinfo.ch in 2000, where I specialised in federal politics and history. I now translate, proofread and produce stories.
It is 70 years since the Second World War ended in Europe – it would continue until early September in Asia. Surrounded by Soviet troops in the chancellery bunker in Berlin, Adolf Hitler committed suicide on April 30. A few days later, on May 8, the German military authorities surrendered.
The conflict, which began on September 1, 1939, is the worst ever experienced by humanity. Over 50 million people died – both soldiers and civilians. Entire cities were reduced to rubble; countries were ruined and devastated. The jubilation that can be observed when the end of the conflict was announced reflects the extent of the catastrophe.
Neutral Switzerland was one of the few countries in Europe to escape the conflict. Nevertheless, the war was also felt by the population in the mobilisation of troops, the fear of invasion, many kinds of restrictions and the arrival of refugees and prisoners of war. As a result, Switzerland also welcomed May 8, 1945 with joy and relief. However, the attitude of the Swiss during the war, which was judged too close to Nazi Germany, later became the subject of controversy.
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