Soviet invasion of Manchuria

The Soviet Union invasion of Manchuria, also known as the Manchurian Operation (9 August – 2 September 1945) was a Soviet military operation against the Japanese forces in Manchuria, it was done because the Soviet Union promised to the Western Allies that they will soon attack Japan in Asia at the Yalta Conference in February 1945. Militarily, this was the largest land invasion in the entire Pacific front (more than any American or British offensives combined).

The Kwantung Army was, by far, the strongest elite ground army of the Empire of Japan. However, this group was still less advanced in terms of equipment and experience plus size when compared to the Soviet Red Army. Commanded by a high-profile experienced Soviet officer, the Soviet Army was much more effective in the invasion, rapidly penetrating defensive areas in all levels to the point it made the Kwantung Army divided and paralyzed. The Soviets controlled Manchuria, northern Korean peninsula (now North Korea) and southern Sakhalin in just two weeks, later it led to the successful occupation of the Kuril Islands.

Combined with the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States, this invasion led to the unconditional surrender of Japan on 15 August 1945, ending the war. This opportunity led to many nations to gain independence from colonisation worldwide (mostly in Asia, Africa and South America).

 Notes 

 References 

Category:Pacific battles of World War II
Category:World War II
Category:History of China
Category:Wars involving the Soviet Union
Category:Wars involving Japan
Category:1945 in Japan
Category:1945 in Asia
Category:History of Mongolia