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US Influence for the Atomic Bomb (real) - Coggle Diagram
US Influence for the Atomic Bomb (real)
Conflict overseas with Japan was creating many negative consequences
The Battle of Okinawa (Casualties)
"The land and sea battles at Okinawa killed 12,5000 US sailors, and marines and wounded 44,000. Most costly naval campaign of the Pacific war. Kamikazes sank 27 ships and damaged 164. Loss of 1465 aircraft and crews. The US land invasion of Japan is far worse."
"Estimates on casualties based on Okinawa were around 270,000. All are aware of the test of S-1 on 16 July."
"Nimitz Mc Arthur later warned dead count could be higher. McArthur increased the initial est. of 50,800 in the first 30 days. Growing numbers of Japanese troops and civilians in defensive positions– able to field two million put pressure on the US to abandon land invasion."
Use of bombs within the war
"US President Truman considered the bomb to be just another weapon, albeit one with potentially unparalleled destructive force."
"The creation of the atomic bomb required a revolution in physics. But it did not require a revolution in the political economy of total war. Rather it was the logical culmination of the Allied way of war. Niall Ferguson"
Pressure of the Japan Army
"The Army's high command wanted a bloody defensive war that would force better terms from the US. Army leaders suggested still had 3 million troops for the defense of the homeland. Published: Manual for Decisive Battle for the Homeland. Civilians were to form a shield against invaders. All fight to the death. Training of civilians to operate as suicide bombers"
"Millions of troops, civilian volunteers, and ‘child soldiers’ 15 years and above. 5000 effective aircraft – 4000 converted to kamikaze planes. Had enough fuel for a few thousand kamikaze missions."
Japan Refused to back out of the War
Potsdam Declaration
"Maldwyn Jones asserts that ‘The military and civilian leaders who took the fateful decision did so... to save Allied lives and to end the war at a stroke’."
"Japanese army leaders did not want to surrender. 6 June Big Six – 3 hardliners War Minister Korechika Anami, Army Chief of Staff General Yoshijirō Umezu, and Navy Chief of Staff Soemu Toyoda – commit to battle for the homeland."
"Japan chose to ignore the declaration – ‘kill it with silence’ – mokusatsu – negotiating tactic to meet offense with silence. "
"US interpreted response as a rejection of Potsdam"
"Truman and Churchill at 7 am on 26 July gave Japan an ultimatum - Potsdam Declaration"
"Air campaign had not destroyed Japan’s ability to make war. US General LeMay’s focus on civilian destruction meant much of the infrastructure intact. The rail network, the Korura arsenal, and the essential coal ferry between Hokkaido and Honshu were not disabled."
"Bombing to destroy civilian morale had not worked. There was no revolt against the regime."