Part 4/8:
As the war drew to a close, the United States recognized the need for Japanese cooperation in the occupation process. Initially, American leadership misjudged Japan’s strategic motivations, believing that an oil embargo would deter their military ambitions. Instead, it precipitated a war neither side truly wanted. However, by the end of the conflict, the U.S. embraced a realization: encouraging a degree of Japanese collaboration was essential for a stable post-war environment.