pacifichistorian
Banned
I'm not sure about the World War II endgame arguments with respect to Japan one way or the other. Could the Japanese conceivably have been firebombed into surrender?
I think there's widespread misapprehension of the influence of the Bomb on Japan's surrender. FWI read, the Sov declaration of war was a bigger shock. Recall, LeMay'd been turning Japanese cities into weenie roasts for months; the Bomb was a small overall difference from their POV. To answer your question, yes, but not only firebombed. Don't forget there was an extensive, tight blockade by submarines, augmented by air-laid mines. And it was possible (tho I don't know if it was done OTL) do cut off coal from Hokkaido, & prevent food movement even within Japan.
I agree, CW is a deadly option, but it strikes me the threat of mutual ebola destruction
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