The loss of the Mariana Islands and other territories important for defense cast doubt on Japan's chances of ending the war on favorable terms. If we remember that in 1941 the decision to start the war was far from unanimous, then after the crushing defeats the ranks of opposition to the militaristic course grew. As a result, the war government led by General Tojo Heideki fell on July 18, 1944. He was replaced by the more moderate Admiral Yonai Mitsumasa. It was decided, while continuing the war, to begin cautiously probing the terms on which peace could be concluded.