What major event resulted in Japan's surrender in World War II?

• A. The bombing of Pearl Harbor
• B. The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• C. The signing of the Treaty of Versailles
• D. The invasion of Japan by Allied forces

Answer: (B)

The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 is attributed as the pivotal event that led to Japan's surrender in World War II. These bombings demonstrated the overwhelming destructive power of nuclear weapons and caused catastrophic loss of life, leading to significant devastation of the cities and their infrastructure.

The shock and destruction wrought by the bombs, coupled with Japan's rapidly deteriorating military situation and the Soviet Union's declaration of war and invasion of Japanese-held territories, compelled Japanese leadership to reconsider their stance in the war. On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s unconditional surrender, bringing an end to nearly four years of conflict in the Pacific.

Other events like the bombing of Pearl Harbor triggered the U.S. entry into the war but did not directly lead to Japan's surrender. Similarly, the Treaty of Versailles was concluded after World War I and is unrelated to the events of World War II. Additionally, while the invasion of Japan by Allied forces was a looming possibility, it did not occur before Japan's surrender, making the threat of continued warfare part of the context but not the direct cause of the end of Japan's involvement in the war.