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> ... the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki were far from the most deadly bombings at that time. That is my point exactly. Those cities were selected for the
by woodman 12y ago
> ... the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki were far from the most deadly bombings at that time.
That is my point exactly. Those cities were selected for the purpose of a technological demonstration, not body count. I thought I made it clear in mentioning the time span between firebombing and surrender that Japan was not super concerned about body count, it was more about maintaining sovereignty following eventual defeat. The US demonstrated a technology that would allow it to annihilate Japan without having to shoot every child holding a stick. That would make total war, and the hope of war weariness in your enemy, completely pointless.
- JeremyNT 12y agoMy understanding has always been that the bombings were a "tech demo," but unlike your claim they were not designed to force Japan to surrender (which was already assumed). Rather, they demonstrated not only this new capability of the United States, but perhaps more importantly they demonstrated the country's willingness to inflict massive civilian casualties in an ostentatious display of the capability. Ultimately, the bombings were intended to frighten the entire world in submission, providing leverage that was used to construct the United States empire following the war.
- ekianjo 12y agoThey were indeeded a "tech demo", not intended to scare Japan which was already on the edge of capitulation, but to the Russians to show them that the US would have the upper hand for the post-war negotiations.