Harry S. Truman announced on August 14, 1945, that Japan had accepted the Allied surrender terms.
Truman became president after Franklin D. Roosevelt died in April 1945. As president, he oversaw the final months of the war, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Soviet declaration of war against Japan, and the negotiations surrounding Japan’s surrender.
Truman’s announcement to the American public came after Japan communicated its acceptance through diplomatic channels. News spread rapidly, and celebrations began in many Allied countries. In Japan, the Emperor’s public announcement was heard on August 15 because of the time difference.
The formal surrender document was not signed until September 2 aboard USS Missouri. Thus, Truman’s announcement reported Japan’s decision, while the later ceremony completed the official military surrender process.