Dropping of the Atomic Bombs
analytical Essay
809 words
Effectiveness of the US Foreign Policy (Atomic Bomb) The United States foreign policy of dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was found to be fairly effective after all was said and done. The decision of dropping the bomb was a major choice by President Truman. After asking the Japanese repeatedly to surrender the decision was made that they would go forth with the bombs, keeping in mind that Japan had killed nearly 2,000 of the American soldiers in the bombing of Pearl Harbor and many more lives were lost during the Bataan Death March. The government observed that about 250,000 Americans would lose their lives (White Light, Black Rain) in a land attack on Japan, whereas very few would be lost with an air attack; the main goal was to simply end the war without losing many lives. “Men were sick of fighting and being shot at” – Enola Gay Crew Member. Japan used very destructive war techniques causing many casualties for the United States. Japan was rapidly claiming the Indian and Pacific Oceans, holding several islands from the Indian Ocean. The United States decided to use the method of “Island Hopping” where the military would go from island to island conquering the Japanese troops rather than going straight to the main attack. By this policy, important Japanese strongholds would be attacked by air and sea allowing Americans to reach Japanese cities more efficiently (Section 22, 5 Steps to a 5). This resulted in great loss of American lives because of the Japanese use of Kamikazes as well as the Bataan Death March. At Okinawa and Iwo Jima the United States suffered 75,000 casualties. (Truman Library; para 2). If the Americans were to continue fighting instead of dropping the bomb the war would’ve been lingering an... ... middle of paper ... ...times in advance to surrender and it was their decision not to, they had been warned. Truman clearly stated that the bomb was to be used as a military weapon and no more. Works Cited Armstrong, Stephen. 5 Steps to a 5 Ap Us History, 2015. N.p.: McGraw-Hill, 2014. Print. "Atomic Bomb Dropped on Hiroshima." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2014. "Atomic Bomb-Truman Press Release-August 6, 1945." Atomic Bomb-Truman Press Release-August 6, 1945. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2014. Navarro, Anthony. "Propaganda of Japan and the U.S. During WW II." Propaganda of Japan and the U.S. During WW II. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2014. "Was the U.S. Justified in Dropping Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?" Debate.Org. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2014. White Light, Black Rain. Dir. Steven Okazaki. Home Box Office, 2007. DVD. In text citation (White Light, Black Rain).
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the effectiveness of the us foreign policy of dropping the atomic bomb on hiroshima and nagasaki.
- Explains how the united states used the method of "island hopping" where the military would go from island to island conquering the japanese troops rather than going straight to the main attack.
- Explains that japan's emperor was believed to be a god, and one could not disobey their god. the japanese were convinced from birth that surrendering showed weakness and if they surrendered they were not worthy of living.
- Analyzes how the enola gay crew released a conference in which some stated that they’ve never had any sort of nightmares and have absolutely no regret for dropping the bomb.
- Explains that the americans were the first nation to use nuclear weapons in war, and this discovery provided a whole new era of nuclear warfare.
- Opines that truman's decision to drop bombs was the best choice for the people and as an aid to end the war.
- Cites armstrong, stephen, 5 steps to a 5 ap us history, 2015. n.p.: mcgraw-hill, 2014.
Related
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- The Decision To Drop The Atomic Bombexplanatory essayPresident Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the direct cause for the end of World War II in the Pacific. The United States felt it was necessary to drop the atomic bombs on these two cities or it would suffer more casualties. Not only could the lives of many soldiers have been taken, but possibly the lives of many innocent Americans. The United States will always try to avoid the loss of American civilians at all costs, even if that means taking lives of another countries innocent civilians.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that president truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on hiroshima and nagasaki was the direct cause for the end of world war ii in the pacific.
- Explains that president harry truman was a huge proponent of the atomic bomb on hiroshima and nagasaki on august 6 and 9 of 1945.
- Explains that james byrnes, secretary of state, was truman's right hand man. he didn't want the russians to get involved in the war in asia.
- Opines that william leahy, chief of staffs to the president, saw the bombings as barbaric and unnecessary as he believed the war against the japanese was already won.
- Explains that general douglas macarthur believed that the dropping of the atomic bombs was militarily unjustified. it was a wise decision in diplomatic and political terms, but not in ethical terms.
- Explains how the use of the atomic bomb put an end to the japanese military dictatorship and put in place a constitutional monarchy, similar to britain's.
- Opines that it is difficult to make a case for the ethics in the use of the atomic bombing of japan.
- Explains that the use of the atomic bomb on japan was an awful way to bring about the end of world war ii in the pacific, but it was not a terrorist attack.
- Opines that it is hard to justify the acts by the united states against japan. people like tamiko tomonaga and sachie tashima did not deserve to carry dead bodies and have their belongings destroyed.
- Opines that the use of atomic bombs is justified because of what took place at pearl harbor and the threat of the war being moved to american soil. truman did what he believed
- Explains that there hasn't been a downward spiral with weapon usage since the two bombings so the united states has not caused an even more violent earth.
884 wordsRead More - The Decision of a Lifetime: Dropping the Atomic Bomb on Japananalytical essayThe dropping of the atomic bomb may be one of the most controversial topics in American history. Could there have been another way to end the war without obliterating two Japanese cities? Several historians have taken a side and stated their interpretation of the situation. There are numerous factors that can sway the argument either way depending upon how influential you determine those factors to be. Some main historians that debated this topic are Robert Maddox, Tsuyoshi Hasegawa, and Gar Alperovitz. Each of these historians provides us with different insight, and a different answer to the question, was it necessary to drop the atomic bomb to end World War II?
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the dropping of the atomic bomb may be a controversial topic in american history. robert maddox, tsuyoshi hasegawa, and gar alperovitz debated this topic.
- Analyzes how historian robert james maddox starts the debate by siding with truman and states that he made the right decision in dropping the bomb.
- Analyzes how the japanese military and the foreign office controlled the situation. the generals realized this mentality after the fight at okinawa where the soldiers fought to the end
- Analyzes how maddox's argument is that by dropping the bomb hundreds of thousands of american lives were saved.
- Analyzes how maddox focuses on the idea that the u.s wanted unconditional surrender from japan, but japan was unwilling for that to happen.
- Analyzes how robert maddox agrees with truman's decision. he focuses on conflict rather than american values or certain documents in distinguishing his ideals.
- Introduces tsuyoshi hasegawa, who believes that alternative methods could have been used to avoid the use of atomic bombs to force surrender.
- Opines that truman could have accepted a provision to his potsdam ultimatum and allowed the emperorship to stay in power instead of instituting free and fair elections.
- Analyzes how truman could have invited stalin to sign the potsdam proclamation and still disallow the use of a monarchial system.
- Argues that soviet intervention and help in the war would have ensured a surrender of japan before november when the bombs went off.
- Analyzes tsuyoshi hasegawa's argument that there are several avenues that could have been taken to avoid using the atomic bombs. he is a part of the new left school of thought.
- Analyzes how gar alperovitz uses countless examples to justify his point that the use of the bombs was unnecessary.
- Explains that the war department study known as use of the atomic bomb on japan explained that political leaders of japan had planned on announcing surrender to the allied forces.
- Explains that truman and other advisors desired unconditional surrender, but many others advocated for the continuance of the japanese dynasty in place.
- Opines that dropping an atomic bomb could implicate the u.s in a negative way. dwight eisenhower personally told truman not to drop the bomb.
- Explains that alperovitz provides ample points to support his thesis while many of them resembling the points by hasegawa. he is also a part of the new left historical school.
- Concludes that america made the wrong decision to drop the two atomic bombs to finalize the end of war. they cite gar alperovitz as who best dealt with this controversial issue.
- Cites alperovitz, g., hasegawa, tsuyoshi, maddox, and sorelle's taking sides: clashing view in united states history.
1989 wordsRead More - The Atomic Bombanalytical essayIn 1945, President Roosevelt died from a stroke. With a sudden death, Harry Truman, vice president at the time, quickly became the successor. The death of President Roosevelt was at the critical turning point in United States relation with the Japanese. President Truman decided to take a tougher stance. At this point, United States was debating if they should use the bomb as a demonstration or to directly drop the bomb on to the cities with the elements of surprise. A group of committee was formed to study the question rather to use the atomic bomb to demonstrate the bomb’s power to the world and then give an ultimatum or to use it as element of surprise. For those who have opposed the idea of ultimatum, they pointed out the Japanese air power could cause serious interference with the bombing. In his memoirs, President Truman recalls how when he decided to drop the bomb he said, “Let there be no mistake about. I regarded the bomb as a military weapon and never had any doubt that it should be used.”(Harry S Truman, Memoirs, 10-11) “He wanted to drop the bomb on military targets, somew...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that president roosevelt's death was at the critical turning point in united states relations with the japanese.
- Analyzes how oppenheimer's self-consciousness in the making of the atomic bomb at the end of world war ii is a prime example.
551 wordsRead More - Harry Truman: The Atomic Bombanalytical essayUnder President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration the atomic bomb was being developed. After Roosevelt died, his vice president Harry Truman was appointed President of the United States. Truman was never informed about the bombs development until an emergency cabinet meeting (Kuznick 9). Truman had to make the fatal decision on whether the bomb was to be dropped on Japan. With the idea of going to war, Truman had to think about the lives of the thousand American soldiers. The American soldiers had begun using the method of island hopping, because the bomb was not available. The idea of dropping a bomb was that the war itself could possibly end in its earliest points. The dropping of the atomic bomb could also justify the money spent on the Manhattan Project (Donohue 1). With a quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt “This will be a day that will live in infamy”, Pearl Harbor was a tragic day for Americans. The United States had lost many soldiers, which they had claimed that they will eventually get revenge. The alternates of dropping the bomb was also discussed at the Interim Committee. The American government was trying to get an invitation response from the Japanese government. If the United States did not drop the bomb and ‘Operation Downfall’ ha...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that harry truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb changed the way americans thought about war because of its traumatic after effects.
- Explains that harry truman was never informed about the atomic bomb development until an emergency cabinet meeting. the dropping of the bomb could justify the money spent on the manhattan project.
- Explains that the first atomic bomb was dropped on hiroshima on august 6, 1945.
- Argues that postwar presidents have voluntary acclaimed in respect of president truman's decision. the bombing that destroyed hiroshima and nagasaki changed the way people thought about science war
- Opines that harry truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb changed the way americans thought about war because of its traumatic after effects.
- States clancey patrick's "hyperwar: ussbs: the effects of atomic bombs on hiroshima and nagasaki." csis.org. kuznick, peter j.
924 wordsRead More - The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasakiopinionated essayThe Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki The United States was completely unjustified in dropping the atomic bomb because it was used so we could have a sense of “power” over the rest of the world. President Harry Truman had paid no heed to his prior statements as to the intended use of the bomb; and not only had it violated the Hague Convention, but it also caused lifelong repercussions for Japan’s land and people. The United States, nearly 70 years later, has yet to apologize to the victims or their families or pay compensation for Japan’s tragic loss; and the United States has not acknowledged that the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were carried out in transgression of international law.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the bombing of hiroshima and nagasaki violated the hague convention and caused lifelong repercussions for japan's land and people.
- Opines that the bombings of hiroshima and nagasaki were carried out in transgression of international law.
- Explains that president truman had claimed that civilians were not the target of the bombs, even though they were to land on two civilian cities, not used for housing soldiers or as any sort of military camp.
- Opines that even if the japs are savages, rutless, merciless and fanatic, we as the leader of the world cannot drop this terrible bomb on the old capitol or the new.
- Opines that the target will be a purely military one and they will issue warning statements asking the japs to surrender and save lives.
- Explains that president truman stated that the united states would issue a warning statement, but they did not. the first bomb was dropped on hiroshima on august 6, 1945.
- Opines that even though the truman administration was receiving public ridicule for spending billions of dollars, the deaths of thousands of innocent people in no way makes up for it.
- Explains that the bombing of hiroshima and nagasaki was a war crime, and the united states of america, with its "liberty and justice for all," has yet to acknowledge that this was wrong.
- Narrates the avalon project : charter of the international military tribunal.
- Explains that batten, donna, "world war ii." gale encyclopedia of american law, vol. 10, 3rd ed., 1 jan. 2010.
- Describes jeffries' "history database search - home." encyclopedia of american history: the great depression and world war ii, 1929 to 1945.
- Explains hiroshima and nagasaki: the long term health effects | k1project.org.
- Explains history database search - home. encyclopedia of the atomic age, n.d.
- Describes the harry s. truman library and museum's pages from president trumann’s diary, july 17, 18, and 25, 1945.
729 wordsRead More - The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bombsanalytical essayAlmost 70 years ago on August 6, 1945 at 8:15 AM, the United States crushed the city of Hiroshima with a 10,000 pound atomic bomb that changed the view of war for millions of people (Hersey,1). The bomb killed at least seventy-five thousand people instantly and many more as the years have gone on due to radiation poisoning and other factors from the bomb (Jennings). To this day, people still have mixed feelings about what the U.S. did to Japan. Some are for the bomb because it saved American lives, but there are others who are against it because it was immoral and unnecessary.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the bombing of hiroshima changed the view of war for millions of people. people still have mixed feelings about what the u.s. did to japan.
- Explains that leo szilard wrote a letter to president roosevelt signed by albert einstein that stated the u.s. needed to create an atomic bomb.
- Explains that the u.s. considered an attack even though the amount of american soldiers that would be killed was very high. the most reasonable option thought of was the atomic bomb.
- Explains that president harry s. truman was the most important in the deciding factor of this situation. he knew the war had to end so american lives could be saved.
- Analyzes how the scientists who designed the atomic bomb felt they should be warned of the dangers of a bomb. eisenhower, arnold, stimson, groves and byrnes convinced truman to drop the bomb
- Analyzes how the u.s. bombed hiroshima and nagasaki, which were important to the mission against japan.
- Explains that the japanese had kamikazes, which were when pilots would fly into a target to destroy their enemy while they are killed. having no emperor meant that there was no point to live.
- Opines that the bomb was morally wrong, but the united states decided to drop the atomic bomb anyway. the japanese position was hopeless even before the first bomb fell because they lost control of their own air.
- Cites "atomic bomb dropped on hiroshima." history.com. a&e television networks, n.d.
- Opines that the atomic bombing of japan was necessary.
- Explains that hiroshima: why the bomb was dropped. perf. peter jennings. dvd.
- Explains that morley, felix, herwin, martin j. memory, myth, and history.
1216 wordsRead More - The Pros And Cons Of The Atomic Bombanalytical essayis the only country to use nuclear weapons against an enemy. The bombing caused more than 200,000 people to be killed immediately, and even more died later due to radiation poisoning and other various injuries, and it also caused 80% of the buildings to be flattened instantly. For years a debate has raged over rather the bomb should or should not have been dropped during the final weeks of WW2. The primary sources in this collection of documents touch upon the standing of the decision to drop the Atomic Bomb. The documents are as follows: A memorandum of the Recommendations on the Immediate Use of Nuclear Weapons, June 16, 1945, a Petition to the President of the United States, July 17, 1945, President Harry S. Truman: Press Release on the Atomic Bomb, August 6, 1945, a photograph of Hiroshima, August 6, 1945, a U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey, 1946, and an Eyewitness Account of the Hiroshima Bombing, 1945 written by Father Johannes Siemes. Based on these six documents, it is evident that there should have been a better approach in handling Japan, and that the bombings were not necessary to follow through
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the manhattan project kept the united states atomic program a secret in the 1930s. the bombing of hiroshima and nagasaki revolutionized world history and changed international relations.
- Explains the scientific advisory panel of the manhattan project's memorandum, which outlines the main comments on the initial use of atomic weapons.
- Analyzes the advice given to president truman in seeking an alternative to dropping atomic bombs on japan.
- Analyzes president truman's statement to the public following the attack of the first atomic bomb nicknamed "little boy" that was dropped on japan.
- Analyzes how the fourth document shows the aftermath of the bomb dropping that rivetingly demonstrates the concerns that scientists penned the petition to president truman.
- Analyzes how president truman's fifth document called for surveys on the effectiveness of strategic bombing campaigns in europe and asia and the effects of the atomic bombs on two japanese cities.
- Analyzes how father johannes siemes's eyewitness account of the hiroshima bombing differed from president truman’s.
- Opines that the bombing of hiroshima and nagasaki was unnecessary. the u.s. should have taken more pride in the morals of their country.
1990 wordsRead More - Prompt and Utter Destructionanalytical essayIn 1945, the United States was facing severe causalities in the war in the Pacific. Over 12,000 soldiers had already lost their lives, including 7,000 Army and Marine soldiers and 5,000 sailors (32). The United States was eager to end the war against Japan, and to prevent more American causalities (92). An invasion of Japan could result in hundreds of thousands killed, wounded and missing soldiers, and there was still no clear path to an unconditional surrender. President Truman sought advice from his cabinet members over how to approach the war in the Pacific. Although there were alternatives to the use of atomic weapons, the evidence, or lack thereof, shows that the bombs were created for the purpose of use in the war against Japan. Both the political members, such as Henry L. Stimson and James F. Byrnes, and military advisors George C. Marshall and George F. Kennan showed little objection to completely wiping out these Japanese cities with atomic weapons (92-97). The alternatives to this tactic included invading Japanese c...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the controversy surrounding truman's decision to drop atomic bombs on hiroshima and nagasaki during world war ii.
- Explains that the united states was eager to end the war against japan, and to prevent more american causalities.
- Explains that the use of the first atomic bomb on hiroshima was a necessary, extreme measure.
- Explains that after hiroshima was completely destroyed by an atomic bomb, the american military began printing leaflets to warn the japanese people of a second bomb.
- Opines that the use of atomic weapons on the japanese cities of hiroshima and nagasaki was motivated by the need to end the war, and by a racist attitude toward japanese people.
- Explains walker, j. samuel, prompt and utter destruction truman and the use of atomic bombs against japan, revised edition.
1090 wordsRead More - Truman's Argument Against The Atomic Bombanalytical essayUltimately, the American Air force dropped not one, but two nuclear bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing up to 220, 000 people. Immediately following the war, then President, Harry Truman, received harsh criticism for his decision for his controversial decision on using a nuclear weapon on Japan. However, America had warned the opposition to surrender not once or twice, but three times via a leaflet, national declaration and a bomb of necessary means. No matter which way it is viewed, the decision stopped the fighting completely and concluded the War; potentially sparing the lives of millions. Unlike person conflict, war does not have a governing body to enforce rules or laws on a Country. However there can be sanctions or Treaties to defer from conflict, like the Treaty of Versailles devised after World War I. Therefore the many treaties, pacts, embargoes and warnings issued by the Americans- all neglected or declined by Japan- is more than enough caution taken to ultimately justify the actions taken in dropping both bombs. Also, given the extreme circumstances the United States were put under after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, the two Nuclear bombs were also justified in the sense that it resulted in the surrender of the
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the atom bomb has only happened twice in history. it is pathetic to think that humans have shown so much aggression and hatred towards one another.
- Analyzes how the american air force dropped two nuclear bombs on the japanese cities of hiroshima and nagasaki, killing up to 220, 000 people.
484 wordsRead More - Atomic Bomb Moralityexplanatory essayThe dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan were ethical decisions made by President Harry Truman and the United States government. By the time of the atom bomb was ready, the U.S. had been engaged in military conflict for over four years and lost over 400,000 soldiers. Truman claimed, "We would have the opportunity to bring the world into a pattern in which the peace of the world and our civilization can be saved" (Winkler 18). The bomb was aimed at ending the war immediately and avoiding prolonged battle in the Pacific Theater and the inevitable invasion of Japan. President Truman hoped that by showing the Japanese the devastating weapon the U.S. possessed, that the war could be brought ...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the development of the atomic bomb and chemical warfare forever changed the way people saw the world.
- Explains that the dropping of atomic bombs on hiroshima and nagasaki were ethical decisions made by president harry truman and the united states government.
- Explains that the early 20th century was marked by a rise in nationalism, which is defined as an embracement to one's own country.
- Explains that nuclear weapons were used by the soviet union and the united states during the cold war.
- Explains how physician walter reed established the ethics of modern testing that ensured future experiments would be fair and moral to those subjugated.
- Explains that during world war ii, the american committee on medical research was faced with confronting malaria. the feeling of nationalism and national pride was at its peak.
- Explains that atomic bomb testing was ethical because of the amount of publicity it was given.
- Opines that the dropping and the atomic bomb and continued use of human subjects during scientific testing in the 20th century continues to be a controversial subject.
1771 wordsRead More