August 14, 1945, 80 years ago: Japan surrenders, ending World War II. President Harry S Truman proclaims it is V-J Day, Victory over Japan Day.
Emperor Hirohito delivered Japan's surrender over radio. It was the 1st time the people of that country had ever heard their Emperor's voice. Since they revered him as something like a god, they accepted his surrender.
It had been 8 days since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It had been 5 days since the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and the Soviet invasion of Manchuria.
The Soviets were planning to invade Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's "home islands" on August 15. The Americans and the British were planning to invade Kyushu, the southernmost island, on November 1.
The Emperor knew it was over. Some in his Cabinet, including the military leaders, wanted to fight to the last man. But the Emperor knew that surrendering now would mean he could work with the Americans, and keep the Soviets out. There would be an East and West Germany, a North and South Korea, and a North and South Vietnam. There would be no North and South Japan.
World War II cost 75 million lives, military and civilian combined. America rebuilt its defeated enemies, not just because it was a generous thing to do, but because it made West Germany and a still-united Japan allies against the Communist world.
Despite some close calls, there has never been a World War III.
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