The liberation of Vienna refers to the end of the occupation of the city of Vienna, Austria, by Allied forces during World War II. Vienna was occupied by Nazi German troops in 1938 during the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany. However, as the war turned in favor of the Allies, Soviet forces advanced into Austria from the east, while American, British, and French forces advanced from the west.
On April 13, 1945, Soviet forces reached the outskirts of Vienna and began to besiege the city. The fighting was intense, with fierce clashes between German and Soviet forces. Eventually, on April 13, 1945, Soviet forces entered the city and liberated Vienna from Nazi control. However, even after the city's liberation, Vienna was divided into four occupation zones, each controlled by one of the major Allies: the Soviets, Americans, British, and French. This division lasted until the conclusion of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955.
