The Soviet–Japanese War, known in Mongolia as the Liberation War of 1945, was a campaign of the Second World War that began with the Soviet invasion of Japanese-occupied territory following the Soviet declaration of war against Japan on 7 August 1945. The Soviet Union and Mongolian People's Republic toppled the Japanese puppet states of Manchukuo in Manchuria and Mengjiang in Inner Mongolia, as well as northern Korea, Karafuto on the island of Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands. The defeat of Japan's Kwantung Army helped bring about the Japanese surrender and the end of World War II. The Soviet entry into the war was a significant factor in the Japanese government's decision to surrender unconditionally, as it was made apparent that the Soviet Union was not willing to act as a third party in negotiating an end to hostilities on conditional terms.
Sailors from the Pacific Fleet Marines raise the flag over Port Arthur.
About 1,831,000 Soviet personnel were awarded the Medal "For the Victory over Japan" following 30 September 1945.
Manchuria Sumitomo Metal Industries in Anshan looted by USSR Army
A Manchurian Government printing plant in Changchun completely pillaged by USSR Army
World War II or the Second World War was a global conflict between two major alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. The vast majority of the world's countries, including all the great powers, fought as part of these military alliances. Many participating countries invested all available economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities into this total war, blurring the distinction between civilian and military resources. Aircraft played a major role, enabling the strategic bombing of population centres and delivery of the only two nuclear weapons ever used in war. It was by far the deadliest conflict in history, resulting in 70–85 million fatalities. Millions died due to genocides, including the Holocaust, as well as starvation, massacres, and disease. In the wake of Axis defeat, Germany, Austria, and Japan were occupied, and war crime tribunals were conducted against German and Japanese leaders.
Image: Bundesarchiv Bild 101I 646 5188 17, Flugzeuge Junkers Ju 87
Image: Matilda tanks on the move outside the perimeter of Tobruk, Libya, 18 November 1941. E6600
Image: Nagasakibomb
Image: Bundesarchiv Bild 183 R76619, Russland, Kesselschlacht Stalingrad