I was reading material from an "Austin Bay Blog" just before the 60th anniversary of the bombing.
I knew most think Truman ordered it because it would "save American lives", and truly it did.
However, the invasion wasn't to occur until 3 months later; Japan had had peace feelers out for about 2-3 months, plenty of time to get a peace process going. The only thing the Japanese wanted was protection for Hirohito, their "god". (We gave him that protection anyway in the peace that followed, MacArthur saw to that).
The Allies would permit Russia to become militarily involved against Japan 90 days after V-E Day, (May 8th). Therefore, I've always believed that the bombs drop was to preceed their getting into the war w/ Japan.
However, from the blogs I've read, (above) Russia had already invaded Manchuria, (so they WERE ALREADY in the war with Japan, on the ground).
So, my question is: With the above senario, was Truman only wanting to show Russia that we DID have the A-bomb?
2006-06-17
16:14:22
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8 answers
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asked by
charly
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Government