Is it required to nuke Japan in order to stop the war

Nuking japan did make them surrender, but is it truly required? What is the true purpose behind United State's slaughter of about 200,000 innocent citizens? The war is already known to be coming to an end. Japan would surrender sooner or later since their prized island, Iwo Jima, was taken. With Iwo Jima, United States can post direct assualt against homeland Japan and therefore seal the war. I see the nuclear bomb as an unnecessary device. I view it more as United States trying to "claim" the victory of the war. Ofcourse, United States have always been the Deux ex machinima to both wars. Also, another major reason behind sending in those bombs is showing the world that United States are mighty in Firepower, and they are ready to claim leadership. the third reason i came up with is that United States might be trying to promote nationalism. After the Great Depression, United States citizens have really little trust in the country's stability. By creating a symbol Americans can look up to and be proud of their country, United States will be able to preserve their government.
Just wondering if any of you think the Nuke is required to win the war, and what other reasons United States might drop those bombs.

 

Choogjing,

In August 1945 the Pacific War was costing the live of 10,000 (TEN THOUSAND) people every DAY!

That includes civilians, and many of them were in China.

The japs had resisted any suggestion of surrender right up to the dropping of the second bomb. The first on Hiroshima bought NIL response, and it took 6 days of talking to get them to accept surrender after Nagasaki, and even then it was a close run thing, with only the Emperor breaking the impasse.

Do some research on the japanese 'Operation Ketsu-Go', and the American 'Operation Downfall', plus all you can get on the author Richard Frank.

I am certain you will change your mind.


John.