Quote:
Originally Posted by htperr6565
My position is extremely simple, but you cannot understand it because no one ever taught you that you are allowed to think outside the box on certain issues, and not just through the same old simplisitic perspectives that dominate historical discussion.
The article provided by Si Modo argues that Japan was NEVER a formidable enemy, and offers plenty of evidence as to how lop sided the war was FROM THE BEGINNING. Considering that Japan is far weaker in 1945 than 1941, the burden of proof now rests with YOU to demonstrate that Japan was capable of offensive warfare in 1945, when its home island is cut off from its industrial resources in the pacific rim and has a navy that is bigger than all the world's navies combined sitting politely outside its shores.
let me guess, these are 'boundless assumptions'?
when then lets hear your conclusive evidence, professor. LOL
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Well, it pains me to say it, I agree with you and Si Modo on this point.
Japan had almost no offensive capabilities in 1945.
They were reduced to Kamikaze pilots and the remnants of a once formidable navy. In fact, after Midway in 1942, Japan had lost most of it's offensive capability..........
After the battle of Midway, Japan still had 11 aircraft carriers of all types, but only 5 were available for operations, and only one was a large carrier. It also lost so many of its most experienced aviators and it could not quickly replace them. The US Navy had 3 large aircraft carriers in the Pacific, 13 more were being built, and there was no way Japan could match the American rate of production of aircraft carriers, aircraft, and well trained aviators. Japan was already fighting a war it could not win, and after the battle of Midway it was already beginning to lose it, just 6 months after it started it in Pearl Harbor. Despite all its remaining strength, after the battle of Midway Japan lost its superiority and initiative in the Pacific and was forced to defense. Since that day, the Pacific Ocean was dominated by American aircraft carriers.
The Battle Of Midway
Personally, I do not agree with dropping the atom bomb on a city.
While I understand why it was done, if I had been the president at that time, I would have tried to feint an attack on a sparsely populated area of Japan and then when they had all their defenses set to repel the attack, nuke that area.
Dropping the 2nd atom bomb was truly a disgrace, in my opinion, after we learned how horrific that weapon was. Of course fire bombing Tokyo was also a disgrace, but as they say, war is hell.
When Truman was told that an invasion of Japan could result in one million allied casualties, I can understand why he used the atom bomb, but I still do not agree with the decision.
Of course, I have the huge benefit of hind sight on my side.