Prompt and Utter destructuion

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The book, Prompt & Utter destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs against Japan, by J. Samuel Walker, examines the dilemma president Truman faced and the deciding factors that may or may not have contributed to or influenced his final decision to use the Atomic bomb against Japan during WWII. The author attempts to illustrate the position key figures surrounding the debate took by explaining the details leading up to and after the bombing’s of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; in an effort to explain or justify the use of the atomic bomb and the necessity of its use to end the war in the pacific. The purpose of this paper is to take a stance on the issue as to whether or not I support Truman’s decision and why. After reading the book I chose to support Truman based on the following three reasons; First, Japan’s emperor, Hirohito, was prepared to have his military fight to the death, his unwillingness to back down, along with pride would not allow for an “unconditional surrender” (p47). Second, the pressure of having to seek revenge for the bombing of Pearl Harbor along with having to justify the cost of building the atomic bomb to the American people, in my opinion, could have played a key role in his decision and undoubtedly influenced my own. Lastly, I believe that Truman wasn’t given all the necessary and correct information needed to make a more informed decision, however, I doubt this played a significant role, his goal was to end the war as quickly as possible while minimizing the loss of American lives; to accomplish this goal the atomic bomb was viewed as a necessary and effective weapon of war. I support this idea and the decision to use the atomic bombs. Japan’s emperor, Hirohito, unwillingness to back down and accept the t... ... middle of paper ... ...against Japan was the logical thing to do at that time. In conclusion, my stance remains in favor of president Truman’s decision to use the atomic bombs against Japan. The use of both bombs was justifiable and necessary to accomplish his goal to end the war quickly. All of the key issues mentioned above contributed to helping me develop my opinions. Truman’s decision to drop the world’s first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki as a means to ending the war, save lives and seek revenge for the bombing of Pearl Harbor was both easy to rationalize but more complex than most might assume. It’s my opinion; Truman had no other effective alternative that could end the war more quickly and on his terms. Works Cited Walker, J S. Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs against Japan. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2004. Print.

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