1. The closing phase of World War II commenced in 1945, marking the surrender of the major Axis powers and the approaching end of the global conflict.2. Germany surrendered unconditionally on May 8, 1945, which became known as V-E Day, signifying the victory in Europe.3. Italy had previously surrendered in 1943, and other Axis allies such as Hungary, Romania, Finland, and Bulgaria also reached ceasefire agreements with the Allies towards the war's end.4. The collapse of puppet regimes controlled by the Axis powers was also a feature of the war's final phase, with states like the Italian Social Republic, Croatia, and Vichy France being overthrown in 1945.5. Some countries, like Siam, declared their declarations of war invalid, which was somewhat indicative of the end stage of the conflict.6. The death of President Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, had a significant impact on the leadership of the Allies.7. In July 1945, the leaders of the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom met at Potsdam and issued the Potsdam Declaration, calling for Japan's unconditional surrender.8. On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, causing immense destruction and loss of life, which directly led to Japan's surrender.9. On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito broadcasted to the nation宣布 his decision for Japan's unconditional surrender, a day known as V-J Day, marking victory in Asia.10. Finally, on September 2, 1945, Japanese representatives signed the instrument of surrender on the U.S. battleship "Missouri," officially marking the end of World War II.