13. America’s Resources and Industrial Might Were Beyond Anything That Japan’s Rulers Had Imagined
To put in perspective the disparity between Japanese and American resources, we can compare each country’s aircraft carriers. In a mostly naval conflict, in which flattops proved decisive, Japan began the war with 10 carriers. Including what it started with plus what it produced during the war, Japan had a total of 15 large fleet carriers, 5 light carriers, and 5 escort carriers, known as “baby flattops”.
America started the war with 7 carriers. By the time the conflict was over, it had built an additional 160. They included 24 fleet carriers capable of carrying 90 – 110 planes; 9 light carriers capable of carrying up to 35 planes, and about 125 escort carriers capable of carrying 24 – 30 planes. Against such resources, and well-trained and well-equipped men to use them, Japan stood no chance. America went on an irresistible counteroffensive that gathered steam and pace as it went along. By 1945, it was obvious to all but Tokyo’s leadership that Japan had lost the war. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki finally forced the Japanese government to face facts, realize that they had brought disaster upon their country, and throw in the towel.