Dropping the Atomic Bomb

Additionally, you are to read War in Pacific. It is .pdf file I've shared with you in your WWII file folder. After reading the three pages and studying the sources, answer the following questions and post them to your blog. These are due on Monday.
Title: Dropping the Atomic Bomb Labels: atomic_bomb, Manhattan_Project, Truman, Japan, WWII, Pacific_War


1. What factors have affected viewpoints on Truman's decision?
Many at the time agreed with Truman's decision to drop the bomb because there would be no bloody invasion of Japan and save American lives. No country could recover from the impact of it. However some disagreed because they felt that the bomb was unnecessary to win the war. The bomb would also have far reaching consequences. Because Truman was an anti-communist, some also felt that he dropped the bomb just to scare the Soviets.

2. Do you think he made the right decision? Give your reasons.
I think that looking at it from a historical it is harder to agree with Truman's decision. There is a good chance that the Allies could have won in the Pacific even without the bomb, however this would have been very bloody and many American soldiers would have died. Also this marked the beginning of the nuclear age and nuclear weapons cause damage that has effects far in the future besides being immensely destructive immediately. However, if I were an American during the war I think that I would support Truman's decision. It would have guaranteed Japan's defeat and spared American troops the invasion.