Originally posted by Nerd-o-rama:
Well, there were three or four test detonations in uninhabted areas, Teral...perhaps you mean we should have given Japan a warning shot?
Yeah, the Japanese never saw those test detonations. If they had seen the destructive powers of a nuclear bomb on, say a remote forest area, I think they might've been inclined to surrender. Then again it might've been a dud, or they might've refused to surrender, thinking the Americans didn't have the guts to use it on population centers and military targets given it's massively destructive power, so it's a tricky grey area.
Almost reminds me of a DS9 episode.
Unfortunately, nuclear strategy has never worked like that. Besides, we did warn them to surrender for like a week beforehand.
But the phrase "Surrender/do as I say, or else..." never works, just ask any parent.