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USA forces invade Okinawa
US forces wanted to use the island of Okinawa for a base for their air operations. It was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific, and first American attack on Japan. It had the largest amount of casualties in the Pacific. Lasted around 82 days. Picture -Kleine, Walter F. "World War Two PIcture." N.p., 20 May 2004. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. -
Period: to
War In The Pacific
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First Atomic Bomb Dropped on Hiroshima
At the Potsdam Declaration the Allies proposed that Japan surrenders but Japan had refused. America saw the use of an atomic bomb as the best way to stop Japan's war effort and end the war. The American pilots of the B-29 bomber dropped the 16 kton atomic bomb named Little Boy on the city of Hiroshima. This showed the world the power of the atomic bomb, and the extent the war could be stretched if Japan did not surrender. "Atomic Bomb." - World War 2 on History. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. -
Soviets Declare War On Japan and Invade Manchuria
Japan wasn't expecting an attack from the USSR until the spring of 1946. Japan was dependent on its Non-Aggression Pact with the Soviet Union so it could be used to negotiate surrender terms with the Western allies. The Red Army outnumbered Japan by a lot and gained air superiority, effectively lowering Japan's morale. The strong attack caused Emperor Hirohito and his war council to consider surrender.
"Soviets Declare War on Japan; Invade Manchuria." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n. -
Second Atomic Bomb Dropped On Nagaski
Aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Another bomb was deployed to force Japan to surrender. An atomic bomb seemed more favourable to America than an Allied invasion of Japan. Some historians believe America used the bomb to intimidate the Red Army. 6 days later, Japan surrendered. "Atomic Bomb." - World War 2 on History. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. -
Japan Surrenders
President Truman Reads Japan's Surrender
Japan's air force and navy were destroyed, and its economy and people were devastated with the atomic bombs and naval blockades. The Soviets' fresh attack on Japan also decreased Japan's chances of winning. Hirohito favoured the future of Japan in America's handsrather than the Communists'. WW2 came to an end. "Japan Surrenders." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013
