What Allied ultimatum, issued on July 26, 1945, demanded Japan’s surrender during World War II?

The Potsdam Declaration was the Allied ultimatum issued on July 26, 1945, demanding Japan’s surrender during World War II.

The United States, United Kingdom, and Republic of China issued the declaration during the Potsdam Conference. It called for the unconditional surrender of Japan’s armed forces and warned that refusal would bring “prompt and utter destruction.” The Soviet Union did not sign it because it had not yet entered the war against Japan.

The declaration outlined broad postwar conditions, including disarmament, the removal of militarist influence, occupation of selected Japanese territory, and the establishment of democratic freedoms. It also stated that Japan’s sovereignty would be limited to the home islands and other territory designated by the Allies.

Japan’s government initially rejected or ignored the ultimatum. After the atomic bombings and the Soviet declaration of war, Japan accepted its terms in August 1945.