60 Years Ago This Week

[tw]

Originally Posted by djacq75

However, in July 1945 they had already had their clocks cleaned. Their idea of an offensive was a kamikaze attack. Apples and oranges.

Kamikaze was about defense - not an offensive strategy. Kamikaze was a last ditch attempt to lose a war WITHOUT unconditional surrender. The allies' strategic objective was a last remaining purpose to keep fighting. Unconditional surrender meant occupation of the Japanese homeland - that had never happened. It meant the emperor could be removed and imprisoned - which the Japanese just were not yet prepared to accept. The Japanese expected to fight for every inch all across mainland Japan. Not to win the war. Everyone knew that would never happen. Japan feared the allied strategic objective - the requirement to end hostilities - the exit strategy - the only reason the Pacific War continued. Unconditional surrender was that requirement. A requirement that good leaders established up front and maintained to the end.

BTW, why could Americans demand nothing less after so many years of war? The smoking gun - Pearl Harbor. Just another example of why a smoking gun is so essential to win a war.