Question

Why were the victories on Iwo Jima and Okinawa so vital to the Allies?

Answer 1

Iwo Jima and Okinawa provided airbases to support the allied bombing of the main islands of Japan.

Explanation:

The B 29 bombing raids at high elevation were ineffective. When the long range bombers attacked at lower elevations Japanese fighters exacted a heavy toil on the bombers.

The airfield on the island of Okinawa provided bases where fighters could be sent to protect the bombers.

Boxcar the B 29 that dropped the second atomic bomb on Japan landed on Okinawa not having having enough fuel to return to its base.

Because of the fighter cover most of the B 29 raids were not opposed by Japanese fighters.

These island also would have been an important staging center for the planed invasion of the Japanese home islands.