1945 marked the final stage of World War II. U.S. forces break through to invade Germany in early 1945, while the Soviets march westward towards Berlin. Yalta conference in February discusses postwar Europe. Allies firebomb German cities like Hamburg and Dresden. Allies occupy major chunks of Germany by April, leading to victory in Europe on May 8th. Hitler commits suicide, marking the end of the war in Europe. World War II continues in the Pacific, with Allies taking the Island of Luzon.