Created in 1951, “Crusade in the Pacific” was an early television documentary that remains one of the most comprehensive looks at the Pacific Campaign on land, sea and air. In 24 separate 30 minute episodes, “Crusade” journals the War through tons and tons of basically uncensored stock footage, along with the timeless voice of Westbrook Van Voorhis.

This episode of Crusade in the Pacific, “Surrender and Occupation of Japan”, examines the unconditional surrender of Japan and its aftermath. Japan surrenders after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and V-J Day is celebrated throughout the fleet. The formal instruments of surrender are signed on the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri though surrender ceremonies take place all across the Pacific theater. General Douglas MacArthur is declared Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Japan and begins reconstruction efforts. Japanese leaders are held responsible for the war and are punished though the Emperor is absolved of responsibility. Japan experiences a number of cultural changes in the wake of the occupation including democracy and women’s rights.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com