The Third Reich begins to crumble as Allied amphibious landings liberate occupied territories and open up other fronts that must be defended. Soviet marines help to liberate the Crimean area, and American and Free French forces land in Southern France. The German forces are pushed back as Allied forces attack from all directions, until Berlin itself falls. Meanwhile, Allied leaders meet in secrecy in Yalta to formulate post-war plans and the formation of the international body that will become the United Nations. In March 1945, the Allied assault finally crosses the Rhine River and eventually forces the Third Reich into total surrender. Hitler commits suicide and, in May 1945, Germany surrenders and new world order is born.