Atomic Bomb Dbq

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Prior to entering World War II, the United States engaged in the development of the atomic bomb. This tool, which all perceived as the guaranteed method to victory, was initially intended to be used upon the Germans. However, development of these weapons outlasted the war in Europe, leaving the Japanese as the next target. It was widely accepted that the atomic bomb would be utilized as early as possible to avoid more deaths. The reasons as to utilize these weapons were not of an act of racism, but to motivate Japan to lose its condition upon surrender, insure Truman’s reelection, assure the world the US was capable of producing several atomic bombs, and to avoid communist propaganda regarding Truman’s actions. The significance as to dropping …show more content…

As a result, Japan sent envoys to Moscow to negotiate peace. The US knew of this interaction via code breaking, but were aware of Japanese attempts of protecting, “their imperial system of government, the right to disarm and repatriate their own troops, no military occupation of the home islands, no international trials of alleged war criminals, and possible retention of some of their conquered territory.” (Cohen 906) The Potsdam conference in 1945 produced an Allied ultimatum to Japan; either surrender unconditionally or face destruction. Japan replied persistently that their one condition was that Emperor Hirohito would be saved; to surrender without preserving their semi-god would mean unacceptable dishonor. In addition, the Japanese included the translated phrase, “to kill with silence” (Weber 6); this conveyed to President Harry Truman that the Japanese were noncompliant with Allied demands and explain the prolonging of WWII. President Truman consequently ordered for the dropping of ‘Little Boy”, the first atomic bomb on Japan. The bomb hit Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, 8:15 AM Japanese time. Despite devastating the city and convincing Emperor Hirohito that Japan was threatened, some Japanese leaders believed that US would not have enough materials to send another bomb. However, Truman was successful as Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo and Emperor Hirohito were in accordance that …show more content…

Stalin, due to Soviet spies, was aware that Truman had this weapon. Around the time of the testing of the bomb, Truman told Stalin of the addition to the Allied arsenal. This hypothetical addresses the emotional Soviet civilians who suffered exponentially more casualties than the Americans. Possible statements would regard the loss of soldiers’ lives in Japan that could have been avoided with the use of an atomic bomb.

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