How was Japan able to maintain positive relations with the United States and grow its economy in the face of such massive destruction?
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Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing
A five-ton atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima, Japan, by an American B-29. An estimated 70,000 individuals were instantly killed by the bomb’s blast. The exact number of people who ultimately perished as a result of radiation sickness and bomb-related injuries is still up for debate, although it is safe to assume that the total number of fatalities exceeded 100,000 and possibly even 200,000.
Despite the enormous damage that the American military did on Nagasaki and Hiroshima on August 9, 1945, Japan and its wartime foe soon became friendly and productive partners. This connection has persisted to this day. Japan’s citizens consider America to be their country’s finest economic and military friend today.
Rebuilding friendship during the Cold War
The foundations of the strong friendship were laid during the immediate post-war years. The majority of the Japanese people, who were tired from the prolonged years of suffering during the war, applauded the decision to keep the imperial houseĀ and reject punitive compensations. However, American leadership actively worked to promoteĀ a positive impression of the country and turn Japan into a reliable democratic partner as the Cold War loomed.
Because of its enormous post-war wealth, America was able to lavishly donate money to reconstruct Japan; as a result, the Rockefeller Foundation, American Cultural Centers, and other organizations significantly donated to cultural and educational institutions like major universities and the media. This improved Japanese people’s perceptions of the United States.
In return USA was able to make Japan as a reliable ally to resist Russia during cold war time. So, United States could use its facilities in Japan to assist military operations elsewhere in Asia, import any weapons it desired into Japan, including H-bombs, and even deploy its forces to help the Japanese government quell internal unrest.
That’s how the USA succeeded to rebuild its relationship with Japan.