Ep 9. War Against Japan

In Soviet Storm: World War II in the East season 2 episode 9, War Against Japan, the focus shifts from the war against Nazi Germany to the conflict in the Pacific theater. The episode covers the Soviet Union's involvement in World War II against the Empire of Japan, beginning with the declaration of war on August 9, 1945.

The episode details the Soviet Union's diplomatic relations with Japan leading up to the war declaration and the decision to break the non-aggression pact made in 1941. The Soviet Union's entry into the war in the Pacific allowed them to take advantage of Japan's weakened military forces and expand their sphere of influence in Asia.

The episode includes interviews with historians and archival footage of the battles fought between the Soviet Union and Japan, including the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. This battle, fought in 1939, was a precursor to the larger conflict and allowed the Soviet Union to gauge Japan's military capabilities.

As the episode progresses, the Soviet Union's military advances into Japanese-held territory are discussed, including the capture of Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands. The Soviet Union's successful invasion of Manchuria is also covered, where they forced the surrender of more than 700,000 Japanese soldiers and captured over 1,800 aircraft.

The episode also highlights the controversial decision made by the United States to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which ultimately led to Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945. The Soviet Union's role in the end of the war in the Pacific is often overlooked, but the episode showcases their significant contribution to the war effort.

Throughout the episode, the Soviet Union's military strategy and tactics are examined, including the use of highly skilled snipers and the effectiveness of their armored vehicles. The challenges faced by the Soviet troops in the harsh Asian climate are also discussed, from the extreme cold of the Siberian winters to the humid jungles of Manchuria.

Overall, Soviet Storm: World War II in the East season 2 episode 9, War Against Japan, provides a comprehensive look at the Soviet Union's involvement in the Pacific theater of World War II. With archival footage and insights from historians, viewers gain a better understanding of the Soviet Union's military strategies and the role they played in the end of the war in the Pacific.