9 August 1945
Soviet Forces Invade Manchuria
Although the Soviet Union had played a critical role in the war against Nazi Germany, the Soviets had remained neutral in the struggle against Japan. However, immediately after Germany surrendered in May the Soviet premier, Josef Stalin, began transferring troops to the East. They were stationed along the border with Manchuria, a part of China that the Japanese had occupied since 1931. On August 9—the same day as the atomic bombing of Nagasaki—the Soviets came pouring across the border. The Japanese government, still reeling from the effects of the atomic bomb attacks, found itself divided between the civilian leadership, which argued in favor of peace, and the military, which demanded a fight to the finish. Only the personal intervention of Emperor Hirohito settled this debate, and on August 10 the emperor announced to his people that Japan would surrender. The war in the Pacific had finally ended.

Documents:
Soviet Declaration of War on Japan
Documents Relating to the Japanese Surrender
The Formal Surrender of the Empire of Japan

Photographs:
Formal Surrender of Japan—Selected and Miscellaneous Views
Japanese POW's at Guam, with bowed heads after hearing Emperor Hirohito make announcement of Japan's unconditional surrender
New York City celebrating the surrender of Japan
At the White House, President Truman announces Japan's surrender
Gen. Douglas MacArthur signs as Supreme Allied Commander during formal surrender ceremonies on the USS MISSOURI in Tokyo Bay