Japan's Surrender: Emperor's Radio Broadcast (1945)
by Anonymous
After the atomic bombs, Japan's Supreme Council was deadlocked 3-3 on surrender. Emperor Hirohito broke the tie, choosing to 'endure the unendurable.' His unprecedented radio broadcast — the first time most Japanese heard his voice — ended the war.
Accept Surrender (Emperor's Decision)
1945
year
Endure the unendurable, accept Potsdam terms
decision
Emperor had never addressed the public directly
precedent
Chosen — war ended August 15, 1945
outcome
Fight to the Last (Ketsu-Go)
1945
year
Defend homeland, inflict maximum casualties
decision
Military tradition of death before surrender
precedent
Military hardliners attempted coup to prevent surrender
outcome
Like this comparison? Make it your own.
Sign up to use as templateMore in History
Blu-ray vs HD DVD (2006-2008)
Blu-ray (Sony) vs HD DVD (Toshiba)
Spanish Armada: Philip II's Invasion Plan (1588)
Combined Naval-Army Invasion vs Direct Naval Assault vs Postpone and Blockade
Nixon: End the Gold Standard (1971)
End Gold Convertibility (Nixon Shock) vs Defend Gold Standard vs Revalue Gold Higher
Panama Canal: Sea-Level vs Lock Design (1906)
Lock-Based Canal vs Sea-Level Canal
Jenner: Vaccination vs Variolation (1796)
Vaccination (Cowpox) vs Variolation (Smallpox) vs No Intervention
Zheng He vs Columbus: Scale of Exploration (1405 vs 1492)
Zheng He's Treasure Fleet (China) vs Columbus's Expedition (Spain)