> Furthermore it seems likely that a combined soviet/american land invasion would have prompted nearly as quick of a surrender as the atomic bombings. Perhaps

> Furthermore it seems likely that a combined soviet/american land invasion would have prompted nearly as quick of a surrender as the atomic bombings. Perhaps (there always remains the question of where the Soviets would have found the needed amphibious shipping to make it happen, of course). But even if we assume it happens, now we have another Korea split into a Communist and non-Communist bloc. Great improvement, no? You're right about what-if games though... I'm just glad the decision wasn't mine to have to make, especially with those ethical questions still not fully settled even to this day.