So... basically I'm planning to write and publish a story on a certain site (which is not AH.com, unfortunately) set in an alternate universe where the US had executed Operation Downfall.
As far as I can tell, an alternate Downfall means a) Manhattan Project sees little to no progress, b) the US decides to invade Japan instead of blockading it, and c) Japan thinks the Americans or Soviets will kill their divine emperor, so they opt to fight to the death.
And here's what I know will happen: a) lots of American soldiers die, b) even more Japanese civilians die from starvation/suicide attacks/atrocities/etc, and c) the loss of American lives means the US will not let Emperor Hirohito live (at least the angry soldiers won't, even if they're commanded not to kill him by higher-ups). Unfortunately, this means a lot more tension between the occupying US and the defeated Japanese civilians. Not to mention the Soviets overwhelming Korea and northern Japan.
After that, we have a north/south Japan. The question is whether war will erupt between the two (which I personally think is very likely).
I'd appreciate your feedback on how plausible/likely the scenarios above are, as well as details regarding Operation Downfall and the American invasion/liberation of Tokyo. Feel free to link to external sources (preferably free-to-access websites, but books and documentaries are also welcome).
Have a great day, folks.
As far as I can tell, an alternate Downfall means a) Manhattan Project sees little to no progress, b) the US decides to invade Japan instead of blockading it, and c) Japan thinks the Americans or Soviets will kill their divine emperor, so they opt to fight to the death.
And here's what I know will happen: a) lots of American soldiers die, b) even more Japanese civilians die from starvation/suicide attacks/atrocities/etc, and c) the loss of American lives means the US will not let Emperor Hirohito live (at least the angry soldiers won't, even if they're commanded not to kill him by higher-ups). Unfortunately, this means a lot more tension between the occupying US and the defeated Japanese civilians. Not to mention the Soviets overwhelming Korea and northern Japan.
After that, we have a north/south Japan. The question is whether war will erupt between the two (which I personally think is very likely).
I'd appreciate your feedback on how plausible/likely the scenarios above are, as well as details regarding Operation Downfall and the American invasion/liberation of Tokyo. Feel free to link to external sources (preferably free-to-access websites, but books and documentaries are also welcome).
Have a great day, folks.