Who Liberated Prague in 1945?

By Anna Duncan

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, was liberated in 1945 during World War II. However, there has been a long-debated question about who actually liberated the city. Let’s delve deeper into this topic.

The Soviet Union’s Role

One of the most common beliefs is that it was the Soviet Union that liberated Prague. The Soviet Army had already reached the outskirts of Prague by early May 1945 and started their final push towards the city center on May 6th.

The Battle for Prague

The battle for Prague was intense and lasted for several days. The German forces put up fierce resistance, and it wasn’t until May 9th that the Soviet Army finally captured the city. By this time, much of Prague had been destroyed, and thousands of civilians had lost their lives.

The Role of American Forces

While most people believe that it was the Soviet Union that liberated Prague, there is evidence to suggest that American forces also played a role in this historic event.

The Pilsen Agreement

In April 1945, American forces reached Pilsen, a city located about 90 kilometers west of Prague. It was here that they signed an agreement with Czech resistance fighters known as the Pilsen Agreement. This agreement allowed for American forces to move eastwards towards Prague.

The Arrival of American Forces in Prague

On May 7th, just two days after the Soviets captured Prague, American forces arrived in the city center. They were greeted by cheering crowds who had been waiting for days to be liberated from Nazi occupation.

Conclusion

So who liberated Prague in 1945? The answer is not straightforward as both Soviet and American forces played significant roles in freeing the city from Nazi control.

It is important to remember the sacrifice of all those who fought and lost their lives during this historic event. Today, Prague stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, a city that has risen from the ashes of war to become one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.