Invasion of Japan facts for kids

The invasion of Japan was a huge military plan by the Allied forces during World War II. This plan was called "Operation Downfall". It was meant to be the final step to end the war by invading Japan. However, after the United States used atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan surrendered. Because of this, the invasion was no longer needed, and Operation Downfall was cancelled.

What Was Operation Downfall?

Operation Downfall was the secret name for the Allies' plan to invade Japan. This was going to be the biggest sea invasion in history. It would have involved millions of soldiers from the United States, United Kingdom, and other Allied countries. The goal was to force Japan to surrender and finally end World War II.

Why Was an Invasion Planned?

By 1945, the war in Europe had ended. But the fighting in the Pacific Ocean against Japan was still going on. Japan was refusing to surrender, even though they were losing. Allied leaders believed that a direct invasion was the only way to make Japan give up. They thought it would save many lives in the long run, even though the invasion itself would be very dangerous.

Two Main Parts of the Plan

Operation Downfall was divided into two major parts:

• Operation Olympic: This was the first part. It planned for Allied forces to land on the southern island of Kyushu, Japan. This attack was set for November 1945.
• Operation Coronet: This was the second, even larger part. It planned for an invasion of the main island of Honshu, including the capital city of Tokyo. This part was scheduled for March 1946.

What Happened Instead of the Invasion?

As the Allies prepared for Operation Downfall, they also looked for other ways to end the war. The United States had developed a new, powerful weapon: the atomic bomb.

• On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.
• Three days later, on August 9, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.
• Also on August 9, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and invaded Manchuria.

These events quickly changed the situation. Japan's leaders realized they could not continue fighting. On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its surrender. This meant that the massive and dangerous invasion planned as Operation Downfall was no longer necessary.

See also

In Spanish: Operación Downfall para niños

Images for kids

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  Operation Olympic was planned to attack southern Japan.

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  Operation Coronet was planned to take Tokyo.

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  American estimates of Japanese troop strength on Kyūshū as of 9 July 1945

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  American estimates of Japanese troop strength on Kyūshū as of 2 August 1945

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  In a proposed invasion plan, Soviet forces were to land at the remote port of Rumoi and occupy Hokkaido north of a line from Rumoi to Kushiro