Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany during its brief existence. During the Third World War, Bonn was the site of the final battle in the war in Europe, a decisive Soviet victory. Upon the Soviets taking control of the city, East German President Wilhelm Pieck said the opening verse of the East German anthem, Auferstanden Aus Ruinen, as he walked into the Bundeshaus, seat of the West German Bundestag, their seat of government.