I based what I said on what my History professor told me. This year, he told our class that the Americans did not hit a major city because they wanted the Japanese to become allies of the Americans after the war so the United States would have at least one ally in Asia after the war. He did tell us that most of the major cities were devastated, but he also told us that they wanted the Japanese to be our friends after the war because Truman was already thinking about the coming Cold War. Admittedly, WWII is not my area of expertise though.
I based what I said on what my History professor told me. This year, he told our class that the Americans did not hit a major city because they wanted the Japanese to become allies of the Americans after the war so the United States would have at least one ally in Asia after the war. He did tell us that most of the major cities were devastated, but he also told us that they wanted the Japanese to be our friends after the war because Truman was already thinking about the coming Cold War. Admittedly, WWII is not my area of expertise though.
Kyoto, however, was originally going to be the first target, but Stimson flatly rejected the idea and forced the Army to change targets because he saw it as a priceless cultural site.
They were afraid that if they nuked something big and important that they would piss the Japanese off and they might turn to the Russians after the war and become a Russian satellite or ally. So he nuked an unimportant city so as to not royally piss off the Japanese. That was the logic he was using.I don't follow your teacher's logic, with all due respect.
I wonder if Truman will be substantially different in his handling of the war from Roosevelt. When he first comes into power I imagine he'll be under pressure from certain quarters to use nukes against France but if this war's been less destructive and hate-filled than WW2 then he's probably not going to use it.
Of course this could easily lead to a more cavalier attitude towards nukes in the future, particularly if there's nothing on the scale of the Cold War.
They were afraid that if they nuked something big and important that they would piss the Japanese off and they might turn to the Russians after the war and become a Russian satellite or ally. So he nuked an unimportant city so as to not royally piss off the Japanese. That was the logic he was using.
History_Buff said:They were afraid that if they nuked something big and important that they would piss the Japanese off and they might turn to the Russians after the war and become a Russian satellite or ally. So he nuked an unimportant city so as to not royally piss off the Japanese. That was the logic he was using.
That is how your teacher interprets history, of course. It's just that your teacher's logic contradicts my teacher's logic.
Wait, so why were they so willing to really get rid of the Philippines as a colony then, when it was at that time one of the more developed countries in East Asia, not to mention that its central position was a boon as a gateway to China?
Either way, unless the Soviets took part in the invasion of Japan (rather unlikely without American naval help), the post-war occupation was destined to be American-run, giving the Americans plenty of time to get the Japanese on their side.
Actually, the Soviets were getting ready to invade the northernmost island of Japan. Fortunately, the war ended before the Red Army had the chance to do so. It was probably on Truman's mind to end the war before the Soviets had a foothold.
you seem to be forgetting Russia. They have stayed out of the war and therefore could declare war at anytime. With France having to focus its attention on you at the moment, If Russia declares war, they might do a good deal of damage.
Because the agreed upon date to give the Philippines their independence fell after the war ended. This agreement to give the Filipinos their independence predated the war I am pretty sure. Also, I am pretty sure they were afraid of having Philippine Insurrection part 2 on their hands if they did not give them their independence
Time for the Death Rattle!
Super-Truman will smash those Bolshie Frenchmen!