I saw somewhere that the bloodbath of the Battle of Okinawa was a catalyst that led to Truman's decision to use atomic bombs on Japan, instead of a conventional invasion.
How accurate is that interpretation? If the battle wasn't as fierce, if civilians were not forced by the Japanese troops to take up arms against the Americans, or to commit mass suicide, would the U.S.'s decision to use atomic weapons have been delayed?
How accurate is that interpretation? If the battle wasn't as fierce, if civilians were not forced by the Japanese troops to take up arms against the Americans, or to commit mass suicide, would the U.S.'s decision to use atomic weapons have been delayed?