Unconditional Surrender Demobilization and the Atomic Bomb

by Michael D. Pearlman

The calculations for bringing large-scale hostilities to an end and for establishing a favorable environment in which postcombat operations, including the occupation of the enemy's homeland, can take place involve high-level military officers in the analysis of a wide range of considerations, many of which fall well beyond what would be traditionally recognized as strictly military in nature.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a relatively short book it is long on material about the surrender of Japan in WWII and what went into making that happen. I read a lot about WWII but was surprised to learn a few things that I was not aware of. For example, as Japan was being pushed back from many fronts and the eventual end was becoming just a matter of time, the US and allies had asked that China and Chiang Kai-Shek be the post-war occupying force in Japan; they refused. The book contains many back stories about the thought processes that were in play as everyone tried to carefully pick their way towards an end to the war balancing feelings of revenge with practical matters of occupying a hostile country and the polls at home wanting rapid demobilization of the US military after VE. The book also contains a large number of photos, some of which I had seen previously but also some new ones as well as strategy maps and explanations. Great read especially for WWII buffs and those interested in Japan.