By 1945, Imperial Japan's defeat in World War II was all but certain—yet the path to surrender remained fraught with uncertainty and profound consequences. What price was Imperial Japan willing to pay to secure better terms? And what price was the United States willing to pay to ensure total victory?

This compelling lecture examines the final months of the Pacific War, focusing on the U.S. island-hopping campaign, the devastating effects of the naval blockade and aerial bombardment, and the strategic calculations behind America’s planned invasion of the Japanese mainland. We will also explore the seismic impact of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the Soviet Union’s sudden entry into the conflict. Together, these events shaped one of the most pivotal decisions in modern history: Imperial Japan’s surrender.

Presented by Steven Fuchs, Professor of History and Director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services at St. Joseph’s University, New York.