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That's how Hamburg looked like just after the German surrender! Fascinating moving pictures in color show the situation of the city in June 1945 and daily life in the ruins. Music “Rise“ by courtesy of Antoine Marsaud: Subscribe to our channel: @UCt1258m7gj9YV_FZ2Iwuq7A?sub_confirmation=1 0:40 Speicherstadt 1:10 Hafen 1:55 Kaispeicher A 2:09 Baumwall 2:22 Sankt Nikolai 2:41 St. Michaelis (Michel) 3:04 Jungfernstieg / Ballindamm 3:34 St. Pauli Landungsbrücken In June 1945, the city of Hamburg in Germany was in a state of devastation and recovery following the end of World War II. The city had experienced extensive damage due to intensive Allied bombing campaigns, particularly during the devastating Operation Gomorrah in July 1943, which resulted in the near-total destruction of the city center. By June 1945, Hamburg had fallen under Allied occupation, with British forces taking control of the city. The city's infrastructure was severely damaged, with countless buildings reduced to rubble, including residential areas, industrial facilities, and cultural landmarks. The devastation was a result of both the extensive aerial bombardment and the firestorm that engulfed the city during the bombings. The population of Hamburg had significantly decreased due to the war, with many residents having fled or lost their lives. Those who remained faced immense challenges and were grappling with the loss of their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. The city was also dealing with a shortage of essential resources, such as food, clean water, and medical supplies. Reconstruction efforts were in their early stages, and the priority was to provide immediate relief to the surviving population. Temporary shelters were set up to accommodate those who had lost their homes. Aid organizations and the military worked together to distribute food, water, and medical assistance to the affected residents. In terms of governance, the British military authorities took over the administration of the city. They aimed to restore basic services and establish law and order while planning for the long-term reconstruction of Hamburg. The process of clearing debris and rebuilding the city's infrastructure had only just begun, and it would take several years to restore Hamburg to its pre-war state. Despite the immense challenges, the spirit of resilience and determination among the people of Hamburg was strong. Communities came together to support one another and rebuild their lives amidst the ruins. Over time, Hamburg would emerge as a vibrant city once again, with significant efforts directed towards revitalizing its economy and cultural heritage.
