80 Years Since the End of World War II

Featured Document
08/28/2025 - 10 a.m. - 09/30/2025 - 05:30 p.m.
East Rotunda Gallery

World War II, the deadliest military conflict in history, ended six years and one day after the war erupted in Europe. On September 2, 1945, just four months after Nazi Germany’s surrender, Japanese officials issued an imperial order and signed a formal surrender ending hostilities in the Pacific Theater.

Instrument of Surrender, September 2, 1945. Records of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff

View in the National Archives Catalog

Instrument of Surrender, September 2, 1945. Records of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff

View in the National Archives Catalog

Imperial Japanese Rescript, September 2, 1945. Records of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff

View in the National Archives Catalog

Imperial Japanese Rescript, September 2, 1945. Records of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff

View in the National Archives Catalog