Today in World History, August 14, 1945, V-J Day
Famous Newspaper Informed the Historical Date for The World
TODAY IN WORLD HISTORY - On August 14, 1945, word came that Japan was surrendering.
It was V-J Day—Victory Over Japan. As people did all over the nation, Aurorans celebrated. Auroran Eloise Rice (1914-2001) recalled fifty years later, “Everyone took to the streets with celebration. . .
Everyone was rejoicing and celebrating practically all night long.” Throngs of people descended upon Aurora’s downtown, on foot and by car, and paper and confetti rained down from office and apartment windows, littering the streets.
Most Americans believe that the Japanese surrendered because of the American development and use of the atomic bomb. The bomb was certainly a factor, but not the only factor. The decision to surrender is far more complex and impossible to know with any surety. The American Pacific Island invasions, naval power, and in particular the Soviet declaration of war and startling success of the their invasion of Manchuria all played major roles. The Allies at in the Potsdam Declaration demanded that Japan surrender (July 27, 1945).
The Japanese military despite the fact that the Allied bombing had destroyed major cities, were determined to resist, hoping that the cost of invading Japan would deter the Allies. The United States dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 6 and 9). The Soviet Union declared war on Japan and invaded Manchuria (August 8). There is reason to believe that the Soviet declaration of war and rapid seizure of Manchuria was more important in forcing Japan to surrender than the atomic bombs.
Emperor Hirohito finally decided to surrender unconditionally (August 14). The success of the Soviet Army convinced even Imperial Army officers and the Ministry of war that defeat was inevitable. Emperor Hirohito on August 14 decided to surrender unconditionally. Even after the atomic bombs and the debacle in Manchuria, there were hardliners that were opposed to surrender. A group calling themselves the Young Tigers seized the Imperial Palace grounds and tried to prevent the Emperor's surrender broadcast. The attempted coup almost succeed.
Editor :Andi Saputra
