Japan could have (and would have) been beaten without the atomic bomb at a high cost in American and Japanese lives.
The atomic bomb changed the arc of history because it intimidated the Soviets.
Even after VJ-day planners thought it very possible that the US would go to war with the Soviet Union -- since the Korean war involved mainland China it also could have become an unlimited conflict.
Japan could have (and would have) been beaten without the atomic bomb at a high cost in American and Japanese lives.
The atomic bomb changed the arc of history because it intimidated the Soviets. Even after VJ-day planners thought it very possible that the US would go to war with the Soviet Union -- since the Korean war involved mainland China it also could have become an unlimited conflict.
See also
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superiority_(short_story)
and the ironic use of
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wunderwaffe
To be positive here is a very good example of technology winning the war
https://www.amazon.com/Britains-Shield-Radar-Defeat-Luftwaff...