Towards the end of World War 2, activities in the pacific theater intensified. The Japanese forces were trying all means to counter the strong American forces. However, their efforts went down the drain because the period between January 1944 and August 1945 spelled their doom. The Allied forces hatched a war-ending strategy dubbed operation Olympic. Their aim was to invade Japan, raid their ships and coastal regions and increase aerial attacks on Japanese territories. China was used as the bas for the allied forces where they launched long-range bombers from June 1944.
The might of the U.S air force was evident as they raided Formosa and Manchuria. They launched 15000 missions, dropping 100,000 bombs in 66 Japanese cities under the guidance of Gen. Carl Spaatz. The Japanese were willing to negotiate but ignored an ultimatum to surrender.
The determination of the Japanese forces and their decision to ignore the unconditional surrender ultimatum led to America’s decision to use the atomic bombs. President Harry S Truman authorized the attack on August 5th. The first atomic bomb was dropped on 6th August on the city of Hiroshima. On 9th Nagasaki city was also bombed. Over 92000 people died in Hiroshima and 40000 in Nagasaki. The effects were so devastation that the injuries, genetic disorders and the environmental losses forced Japan into surrender.
The Japanese accepted the terms of surrender on 14th of August. On 2nd September 1945, the Japanese and Allied forces signed the agreement to surrender in Tokyo Bay. This day was declared “Victory over Japan” by President Harry S Truman as the announced the end of World War 2.
Bibliography
Bradley, J. H., & Buell, T. B. (2002). The Second World War: Asia and the Pacific. New York: Square One Publishers, Inc.
Rottman, G. (2004). US World War II Amphibious Tactics: "Army & Marine Corps, Pacific Theater" (illustrated ed.). New York: Osprey Publishing.
