The Allied victory in Europe was achieved through a multi-pronged strategy. The Allies first decided to focus on defeating Germany before Japan, believing Germany posed a greater threat. This led to Allied invasions of North Africa and operations in the Mediterranean region. Major Allied victories then followed, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the Soviet defeat of German forces at Stalingrad. Finally, with Allied forces pushing into Germany from both east and west, the Nazis surrendered unconditionally on May 8, 1945, marking victory in Europe for the Allies.