History

Rashad Ford

30 September, 14:02

It was to spare the Japanese people from utter

destruction that the ultimatum of July 26 was issued at

Potsdam. Their leaders promptly rejected that

ultimatum.

If they do not now accept our terms they may expect a

rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been

seen on this earth. Behind this air attack will follow sea

and land forces in such numbers and power as they have

not yet seen and with the fighting skill of which they are

already well aware.

-President Harry Truman, Aug. 6, 1945

What is Truman's purpose in delivering this speech?

•to apologize to Japan for using an atomic bomb

•to announce the terms of the Potsdam Declaration

•to force Japan to leave the Philippines

•to threaten Japan with further attacks if it fails to

surrender