The Victor Davis Hanson Show War Gaming Operation Downfall: What If We Invaded Japan? And other listener questions
Jun 4, 2024
Exploring Operation Downfall, the planned invasion of Japan in WWII and the use of atomic bombs. Delving into Adolf Hitler's political alignment, roots of National Socialism, and lack of reformation in Islam. Discussing the Shah of Iran's fall from power and its lasting effects.
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How Large And Risky Operation Downfall Would Have Been
- Operation Downfall would have dwarfed D-Day with an amphibious force planned up to three million troops and staged in two phases: Olympic (Kyushu) then Coronet (Honshu).
- U.S. planners feared up to a million American casualties given 3 million Japanese defenders, 20 million civilian militia plans, and lessons from Okinawa's kamikaze costs.
Why The Atomic Option Was Not An Easy Single Solution
- The atomic-bomb option was constrained by limited stock, unproven reliability, and delivery risks in 1945, making invasion or massive conventional bombing real alternatives.
- Leaders feared a failed demonstration or loss of scarce bombs; production timelines suggested months before more weapons could be fielded.
Soviet Entry Carved Up Asia And Fueled Postwar Consequences
- Inviting the Soviets into the Far East created postwar geopolitical costs: Soviet occupation of northern Korea, Manchuria, and islands helped Communist gains in China.
- At Yalta/Potsdam the USSR agreed to join the war in Asia, and U.S. reliance on that promise later seeded Cold War tensions and territorial shifts.