Some facts on dropping the two bombs

[nadinbrzezinski]

79. Yes, but the division in the high command was real

it is a well known historical fact at least among historians. Realize, and I have referred today to the attempted coup on the 14 a few times already. that is an event that is not just obscure in the US. but for many internal reasons, it is also obscure in Japan.

Moreover, no, they did not have direct contact with Americans until very late in the process. As in after Hiroshima.

That is the part you are missing.

Also, I did state somewhere in this thread, that while keeping the Emperor in place was not in the Postdam conditions, Gen. MacArthur (fun fact, can't spell his name today) kindly let that one slide, not just because FDR was dead... but because he understood Japanese Culture.

I have also said in this thread that the decision was NOT JUST about Japan... read the OP, I mentioned the Russians for a reason.

But it is not as black and white as many folks here like to make it to be. It was one of those decisions that most historians agree these days, was bedeviled from the beginning with controversy. In fact, you can justify the decision from here to Sunday, or be critical of it from here to Sunday. I am troubled by it, but I understand the context and realize that it was probably the best choice at the time, with the knowledge of the time.

It has also quite likely prevented WW III, which will be a nuclear exchange. It has also reduced the violence of future conflicts, including Korea, where MacArthur, speaking off, wanted to use nukes, and was fired for it.

I also know this for a fact. Americans and Japanese never learn a non sanitized version of their history. I am confident to say that I have, but a lot of it... came in graduate college classes.