Jaws Slam Shut Servicemen everywhere are elated and relieved. Americans driving into southern Germany liberate Polish prisoners at Dachau, the most notorious of the Nazi work camps (lower right). Soviets advancing through Poland discover a greater horror, the six 'extermination camps' for Jews, where all are sent directly to the gas chambers. In all, the Nazis murder six million Jews.

	Atomic Age Begins Amazingly, the Japanese still won't surrender. In America, President Roosevelt suddenly dies of a massive brain hemorrhage, and Vice-President Harry Truman takes over as President, to his own great dismay. By mid-summer, Japan is being fire-bombed daily from aircraft carriers just offshore, while American battleships bombard coastal targets. Finally, Truman authorizes the dropping of two atomic bombs, the first ever used. At last, the Emperor surrenders, and it's all over. Hallelujah and Amen.
	Hot War Goes Cold Everyone's celebrating, although the war isn't really over. Instead, it's shifting into the next phase, with Democracy pitted against Communism. Churchill's public support of Stalin during the war is a simple strategy of addressing the greatest threat first. His fears that Russia will soon become the big danger are quickly realized, as Stalin refuses to give up any territory seized by his army during the war. This prompts Churchill to famously remark that an 'Iron Curtain' has descended over Europe. The Cold War has begun.