“The prodigious land, sea and air forces of the United States, the British Empire and of China, many times reinforced by their armies and air fleets from the west, are poised to strike the final blows upon Japan….

Question

The full application of our military power, backed by our resolve, will mean the inevitable and complete destruction of the Japanese armed forces and just as inevitably the utter devastation of the Japanese homeland….
We call upon the government of Japan to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction.”
- from “The Potsdam Declaration,” President Harry Truman, July 26, 1945

Which of these would, in the coming years, be an international effect of the ultimate result of President Truman’s words?
Responses
A the Soviet invasion of Afghanistanthe Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
B Japan sided with the Soviet Union during the Cold WarJapan sided with the Soviet Union during the Cold War
C a nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union
a nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union
D the division of Japan into international zones similar to those seen in Germanythe division of Japan into international zones similar to those seen in Germany

Answer 1

The correct response is:

C) a nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union

The Potsdam Declaration and the subsequent use of atomic bombs on Japan marked a significant turning point in international relations and contributed to the onset of the Cold War, including a nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The other options do not accurately reflect the direct international effects of Truman's declaration and the end of World War II in relation to Japan.