To the Japanese leaders, Okinawa as their last hope of their homeland against an invasion, so they were prepared to battle to the death. The Japanese army, determined to fight to the death, in battle after battle, using terrorist-type banzai and kamikaze attacks, was not merely a military strategy. These maneuvers were deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The audacity of the Japanese troops, spurred on by cultural and military ideology, plus the heavy casualties already inflicted, …show more content…
There are compelling arguments on both sides. According to our military leaders, peace at that point might have been achieved by negotiation. The Japanese navy no longer existed, fuel and spare parts were on short supply, and they were losing with China. The Japanese people were starving under the blockade. The Emperor put Japan under Martial Law, anticipating a revolt by the people to end the war. Yet, what were the reasons for using this new weapon of mass destruction? For sure, it would mean a quick end to a long, bloody war, which everyone wanted. But, maybe Truman wanted to send a message to Russia and China, who without a doubt would be the next enemies the U.S. would have to contend with. An invasion would have cost many more American lives, and the people were tired of the