More About V-J Day

The war against Japan continued after Germany surrendered. American strategists said that an invasion of Japan could result in one million American casualties. President Truman authorized the use of two atomic bombs to shock Japanese leaders. The first bomb landed on Hiroshima and the second on Nagasaki. The bombs destroyed both cities and killed over 200,000 people. The Japanese surrendered shortly after on August 15, 1945.

Twenty-five Japanese leaders faced the International War Crimes Tribunal in Tokyo. Judges sentenced seven to death for crimes against humanity. The rest served life sentences in prison.

The Allies occupied Japan for seven years after the war. American leaders laid the groundwork for economic recovery and a democratic system. They established laws encouraging free trade and unionism, created a parliament, and instituted free elections.

Back

The US detonates an atomic bomb over Hiroshima,
August 6, 1945
Courtesy of the National Archives
# NWDNS-342-AF-58189

This bomb exploded 2,000 feet above Hiroshima. It created a blinding heat flash followed by a blast that radiated out 2.27 miles. Temperature at ground level reached 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit. At least 71,379 Japanese citizens died instantly.

Hiroshima, Japan, lays in ruin after an atomic bomb blast,
August 6, 1945
Courtesy of the National Archives
# 342-FH-3A-49431-K-KE6013

Back