Video: 'Hiroshima | Why The Bomb Was Dropped (ABC Documentary)' (June 4, 1945, 35:50)

(Monday, June 4, 1945; part of the Pacific War during World War II) — Japanese Foreign Minister Togo Shigenori cabled Japanese Ambassador Naotaki Sato in Moscow today that “it is a matter of utmost urgency that we should not only prevent Russia from entering the war but should also induce her to adopt a favorable attitude toward Japan. I would therefore like you to miss no favorable opportunity to talk to the Soviet leaders.”

Video: 'The Lost Evidence Of WWII Episode 17 Okinawa' (June 4, 1945, at 38:59)

(Monday, June 4, 1945, 5:57 a.m. Japan Standard Time; during the Battle of Okinawa, part of the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — Elements of the 6th Marine Division launched an amphibious assault today on Oroku Peninsula.

Video: '' (May 31-June 1, 1945, at 8:28)

(Friday, June 1, 1945, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m./1:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. EWT; during World War II) — The Interim Committee met again secretly today at the Pentagon, formally deciding that the atomic bomb “should be used against Japan as soon as possible; that it be used on a war plant surrounded by workers’ homes; and that it be used without prior warning.”

Video: 'Peter Jennings - Hiroshima: Why the Bomb was Dropped (1995)' (June 1, 1945, 41:05)

Member James F. Byrnes then went to the White House and briefed President Harry S. Truman of the decision (click here for a clip of this event from “American Experience: Truman” at 1:46:11).

Video: 'Peter Jennings - Hiroshima: Why the Bomb was Dropped (1995)' (May 31, 1945, 32:09/39:27)

(Thursday, May 31, 1945, 10:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m./2:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m. EWT; during World War II) — The Interim Committee, created by Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson at the urging of leaders of the Manhattan Project (a research and development project that produced the first atomic bombs), met secretly today at the Pentagon to consider the idea of giving the Japanese a non-combat demonstration of the new weapon of mass destruction.