So in 1945 the Soviets had rolled over the Kuril islands and South Sakhalin and the popular interpretation of history has it that Japan surrendered to the US just in time to avoid a Soviet conquest of Hokkaido.
So let's say that Japan is determined to fight to the end like Germany.
Consensus on this board seems to take as a given that Hokkaido is rolled over much like South Sakhalin and the Kurils. However, given that there was a lot of recent debate about the IJA's actual chances against the Red Army, I wonder if this is really the case. Certainly the IJA would have had a hard time relocating forces from its build up in Kyushu on short notice.
If the Soviets invade Hokkaido, might it prompt America to invade ahead of schedule so as to ensure the Soviets don't steal their victory?
So let's say that Japan is determined to fight to the end like Germany.
Consensus on this board seems to take as a given that Hokkaido is rolled over much like South Sakhalin and the Kurils. However, given that there was a lot of recent debate about the IJA's actual chances against the Red Army, I wonder if this is really the case. Certainly the IJA would have had a hard time relocating forces from its build up in Kyushu on short notice.
If the Soviets invade Hokkaido, might it prompt America to invade ahead of schedule so as to ensure the Soviets don't steal their victory?