Did the atomic bombs force japan to surrender?

Answer 1

Yes, that was the only justification for dropping the bombs. Japan had been defeated in all of the islands that they had invaded, the island was surrounded by Allied forces and the Japanese were not getting food or fuel from outside sources. In other words, there was absolutely no way they could continue fighting, but the Emperor refused to surrender in hopes of negotiating for better terms. It was estimated (after the war) that almost a million Allied troops would have been killed as well as perhaps that many or even more Japanese citizens. "The bombs" informed the Japanese that there would be no need to endanger Allied forces, and that we demanded an unconditional surrender. Japan was holding out for terms that would have allowed them to rebuild their military and try for dominance of the Pacific again at a later date.

Answer 2

yes. many have overlooked that fact that the Japanese sent a memorandum to the U.S with their terms of surrender (practically identical to what the United States required except for the surrender of the emperor). Since their terms were in writing and signed by high up government officials. Japan probably would of surrendered without the use of the atomic bomb or soviet interference. Also, since japan was the only remaining member on the allied side during this time period, they were taking a lot of firebombings. So another question is raised... why would japan surrender over one measly bomb dropping. Another firebombing in japan previously killed about a million japanese.

Answer 3

Unquestionably yes, but it was a matter of time and costs.

The Japanese knew by the spring of 1945 that they did not have the ability to win the war by military means and that the US was so significantly out producing them that eventually surrender was inevitable.

However they believed they could keep the war going long enough to get concessions from the allies, avoiding the need for unconditional surrender and the "loss of face" and national embarrassment that would entail.

Both allied and Japanese leaders believed the war was likely to last about 2 more years (1947) and a group in the Japanese military actually had a plan to keep it going at least 10 more years (1955) that they hoped would get the American people to begin antiwar protests (as actually happened with the Vietnam War later when it kept dragging on) causing the US government to be forced into effectively surrendering to Japan and returning all the captured Pacific islands and Asian lands once held by Japan but taken back by US forces to Japan just to get Japan to stop fighting!

The atomic bomb was seen as an option to significantly shorten the war and save lives. Also had it not been used when it was available, there was a good chance that when that information became public that Truman would have been impeached!

Unlike what most people think, the actual decision to use the atomic bomb on Japan (if it became available) was made by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the last couple of months before he died. Truman when he was informed of the atomic bomb and these plans just saw no need to make any changes in what was already in process. The only actual decision Truman ever really made on his own about the atomic bomb and Japan was to stop using them when Japan indicated they would surrender.

Answer 4

With the government they had, probably not but evenly the Allies would have invaded, the Japanese revolted, or everyone would have died from the fire bombing.

Answer 5

It was about two weeks after the last bomb was dropped that Emperor Hirohito finally annouced their surrender to the United States.

Answer 6

they didn't force them but the atomic bombs aided their surrender

Answer 7

Very much so. It saved American lives and ended the war.