Theodore Espiritu

                                                                                                    POLI388

                     Executive Summary- Operation Downfall

          Operation Downfall was the prospective allied invasion of Japan towards the end of World War II. During this time, the United States was pretty much looking for an option that will end the war with Japan. After the Pearl Harbor Attacks and the Battle of Okinawa, it was pretty evident that something had to be done.

          After the Potsdam Conference, the United States gave Japan the option of complete and total surrender. However, Japan wanted to make the cost of defeat high enough for the United States to want to make a settlement (or armistice). Therefore it can be considered that the dominant strategy for the United States was to stand firm and invade. For Japan their dominant strategy would be to surrender and save the lives of millions.

          There was definitely a lot of pre-play communication in this event. Again the United States relayed the message that Japan had to surrender. Also, this became a game of perfect information because both sides knew what the other was doing and it was just a matter of time before an attack was to take place.

          Eventually, the atom bomb was used and this plan was never executed. It is significant, however because, it could probably of been the largest invasion the United States ever carried out.