The US decision to bomb Japan twice was made against a backdrop of a Japanese military government that, despite the war’s clear conclusion, was determined to keep fighting. This refusal to accept an unconditional surrender was a key factor in the US strategy to force a swift end to the conflict and avoid a costly ground invasion.

In the wake of the two bombings, Japan’s Emperor Hirohito announced his nation’s surrender on August 15, 1945, ending the Pacific War. This came after Germany had surrendered in Europe on May 7.