Best explanation for use of atomic bomb in WW2

A well written and throughly research account of the end of the war in the Pacific. Much more balanced and convincing than most in this genre.

If you ever wondered why the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, read this book. Its an exhaustive examination of why we did it and comes to the conclusion that, awful as the attacks were, it was the right decision. A great work by one of the finest historians ever to walk the earth.

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, there was savage fighting on small islands and then they dropped the bomb. End of story.

This is usually the image people have of the pacific war. It's not incorrect per se but painfully wanting in detail about the circumstances, particularly when it comes to the bomb. Two common notions that feeds on ignorance is, firstly, that Hiroshima was inevitable and that it saved a million american lives that would have perished invading the home islands. The second is that Hiroshima was unnecessary and came about because of geopolitical concerns, ignorance or prestige. Richard Frank argues that both notions are fundamentally incorrect but that the bombs did make a strong contribution to the japanese polity accepting defeat.

Downfall is not only about the reasons for dropping the bomb, but gives the reader detailed insights into the strategic options as they appeared to decision makers in USA and Japan during the closing months of the war. Though written to the highest standards of academic rigor it is an easy and gripping read for the lay person or expert alike. I would say it's indespensible for anyone that want to know the (complex) reasons for decisions made during the final moves of the war in the pacific. Highly recommended.

Very thoroughly researched book on the end of the Pacific War in WWII and the events that led up to the dropping of the 2 atomic bombs on Japan. Written by a military man, it's clear that the author believes that the dropping of the bombs was warranted. His research backs him up; both from the American point of view, as well as the Japanese point of view, especially with regard to Emperor Hirohito's words and actions. The Soviet threat to Japan was also discussed as was its motivating impact on Japan's decision to surrender (secondary to the impact of the 2 atomic bombs). The accounts of the survivors of both the atomic blasts, as well as the Tokyo incendiary raids, were especially harrowing. I wish there were more of these personal accounts. The focus of the book centered on the policy makers, both American and Japanese, so the reading tended to get dry in spots. All in all, an important read for ones interested in the subject.

Very informative and thought-provoking take on the end of the war in the Pacific. His final words will stick with me:

"American goals were not simply victory but peace. Had American leaders in 1945 been assured that Japan and the United States would pass two generations in tranquility and still look forward with no prospect of future conflict, they would have believed their hard choices had been vindicated - and so should we."

Good stuff.