However, in 1946, Truman made a proclamation to change the date to the 14th of August because it was the day Japan surrendered. President Truman declared September 2 to be 'Victory in Japan Day' or 'VJ Day. Countries such as China and Taiwan as well as other countries also recognize and celebrate this date. Japanese representatives signed the documents of surrender the following month, on September 2, onboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This effectively ended World War II, sparking immense celebrations in the United States and Europe. Japan finally accepted the terms of surrender unconditionally the next day. Only three days later, the United States dropped another atomic bomb in Nagasaki. On August 6, the United States dropped its first atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. The Japanese government refused to surrender. On July 26, 1945, the Allied leaders issued the Potsdam Declaration urging Japan to surrender or suffer the consequences. Due to the Allies' incredible war power and superior technology, the war against Japan was one-sided and Japan suffered many more casualties than the Allies.

Thus, the United States immediately declared war on Japan, officially turning the war in Europe into a war that was being fought over the world. On December 7, 1941, Japan did a surprise aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, an American naval base in Hawaii. VJ Day Celebration in front of the White House Victory Day History

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