Critics have charged that the United States was morally irresponsible in using the atomic weapons against Japan during World War II. Were the United States' actions justified?
After you have completed your readings post your answers to only ONE of the following questions.
What are the explanations that have been offered in support of dropping the atomic bomb? What is your response to these explanations? Make sure that you provide specific support from your readings.
What are the arguments that have been presented against using the atomic bomb? What is your response to these arguments? Make sure that you provide specific support from your readings.
Review the trial and cast your verdict. How do you find President Truman? Guilty or Not Guilty? Discuss why you reached that decision.
Full Answer Section
Arguments against dropping the atomic bomb:
- The bombs were used without warning, killing thousands of civilians. The atomic bombs were dropped on civilian targets, killing hundreds of thousands of people instantly and many more in the aftermath.
- The bombs were not necessary to end the war. Japan was already on the verge of surrender, and the bombs were not necessary to force a quick end to the war.
- The use of the atomic bomb set a dangerous precedent. The use of nuclear weapons opened the door to the possibility of future nuclear wars, which could have devastating consequences.
The decision to drop the atomic bomb was a difficult one, and there is no easy answer to the question of whether it was justified. There are strong arguments to be made on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether they believe the use of the atomic bomb was justified.
I have not yet read the trial, so I cannot cast a verdict on President Truman. However, I can say that the decision to drop the atomic bomb was a complex one, and there are many factors to consider. It is important to weigh all of the evidence and arguments before making a judgment.
Sample Answer
The decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a controversial one, and there are many arguments both for and against it.
Arguments in favor of dropping the atomic bomb:
- The bombs would shorten the war and save lives. The United States estimated that an invasion of Japan would result in the deaths of millions of American and Japanese soldiers. The bombs, it was argued, would force Japan to surrender quickly, avoiding a costly and bloody invasion.
- The bombs would deter future wars. The United States hoped that the use of the atomic bomb would demonstrate its power and deter other countries from using nuclear weapons in the future.
- The bombs were a just punishment for Japan's aggression. Japan had been responsible for the deaths of millions of people in the war, and the bombs were seen as a way to punish Japan for its crimes.