>> you are watching american history tv. 48 hours of programming on american history every weekend on c-span3. follow us on twitter at c-span history for information on our schedule of upcoming programs and to keep up with the latest history news. august 30, 1945. general douglas macarthur, commander-in-chief of the u.s. army forces in the pacific, supremeed allied commander to accept a surrender of the japanese. generalet by lieutenant

ivan berger commanding the eighth army. september 1, 1945. >> it is my earnest hope, and indeed, the hope of all mankind, that from this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past. upon faith andt

understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most ,herished wish for freedom tolerance, and justice. representatives of the emperor of japan in the japanese government and the japanese imperial headquarters to sign the instrument of surrender at the places indicated.

the supreme commander of the allied powers will now signed on behalf of all the nations at war with japan. wainwright and the other general step forward and accompany me while i sign. the representatives of the united states of america will now signed.

let us pray that peace be now restored to the world and that god preserve it always. these proceedings are closed. ♪

♪ >> american history tv is featuring c-span's original onies at 8:00 p.m. eastern sundays throughout the rest of

the year. c-span produced the series in cooperation with the white house withrical association, questions from c-span's audience. we tell the stories of america's 45 first ladies. now, florence harding. this is about 90 minutes. susan swain: florence kling harding once said she had only one real hobby and that was warren harding. she was a significant force in her husband's presidency and adept at handling the media. despite hardships, scandals, her husband's infidelities and his death in office as well as her own poor health, florence harding set many precedents that would help define the role of the modern first lady. susan swain: good evening. and welcome to c-span's series first ladies: influence & image. tonight, we're going to be telling you the story of florence harding, the first la