Atomic Bomb Ends War

 

At this point American scientists made a great contribution to the war effort. During the year they had released atomic energy in an atomic bomb. A trial succeeded in a New Mexico test in July. On August 6 a B-29 dropped another on the Japanese army base at Hiroshima. The single bomb destroyed about three fifths of the city. Three days later a more powerful atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, leaving it in ruins.

 

The Japanese accepted Allied surrender terms on August 15. On September 2, 1945 (this date was September 1 in the United States), Japan formally surrendered aboard the battleship Missouri anchored in Tokyo Bay. General MacArthur signed as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, and fleet Admiral Nimitz signed as the United States representative.

 

General MacArthur immediately established military occupation of the empire. American troops went ashore to liberate war prisoners and to make certain that the terms of surrender were complied with. All Japanese military forces were disarmed and sent home. The emperor and other government officials had to obey General MacArthur's orders. Japan's war leaders were arrested and held for trial.

 

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