The development of an atomic bomb by the United States did which of these?
A. pressured German leaders to surrender
B.increased tensions between Truman and Stalin
C. worried the leaders of France and Great ritain
D.led Stalin to postpone a Soviet invasion of Japan
The correct answer is D. led Stalin to postpone a Soviet invasion of Japan.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the historical context and events leading up to the use of the atomic bomb during World War II. Here's a breakdown of the events:
1. The United States developed and successfully tested an atomic bomb under a top-secret project known as the Manhattan Project.
2. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This was the first time an atomic bomb was used in warfare.
3. On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki.
4. Just days after the bombing of Nagasaki, the Soviet Union (under the leadership of Joseph Stalin) declared war on Japan.
5. Japan's Emperor Hirohito, fearing further destruction from the rapidly advancing Soviet forces, decided to surrender. Japan officially surrendered on August 15, 1945.
Based on these events, we can conclude that the development of the atomic bomb by the United States led Stalin to postpone a Soviet invasion of Japan. The successful use of atomic bombs by the United States against Japan demonstrated an unprecedented level of destructive power. This made Stalin hesitant to proceed with a military invasion as it would risk retaliation with atomic weapons, resulting in severe casualties and destruction.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. led Stalin to postpone a Soviet invasion of Japan.