Objectively they were used to prevent the Soviets from gaining influence, and forcing Japan into an unconditional surrender, instead of conditional. They didn't save anyone but US Imperialism.

[–] MarxMadness@lemmygrad.ml 3 points 5 days ago (1 children)

forcing Japan into an unconditional surrender, instead of conditional

And this part didn't even work -- the big Japanese demand was keeping the Emperor, and they were allowed to keep him.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 4 points 5 days ago

Absolutely, it was only for symbolic reasons, not even for practical gain.