The Pros And Cons Of The Atomic Bomb On Japan

Perhaps one of the most controversial topics that has ever existed is whether the U.S. should have dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. To some people, this is a matter of morals, while to others, it is a matter of politics. Some argue that it was better because it reduced the number of casualties. There are two views on the atomic bomb dropping: one side says it was the right thing to do, while the other side says it was the wrong thing to do. It seems as if only the American people believe that it was the right thing to do. In countries like Russia, China, and Japan, they teach in schools that it was the wrong thing to do, while American children are taught that the use of the atomic bomb was justified. large number of people.
The problem with this is that Japan was not a democracy, and a vote could not be taken on whether to keep fighting or not. It was a strict dictatorship, and the leader's decisions were final. An example of this is the dropping of the atomic bomb. While some argue that the Americans had a choice not to drop it, the decision was ultimately made by the president and his advisors. Similarly, the Emperor of Japan made the decision to continue fighting. During the talks of surrender, the Japanese military command rejected the request for unconditional surrender, but there were indications that a conditional surrender was possible (U.S History.org). Despite this, the decision to drop the atomic bomb was made. Some decisions, even in a democracy, may not be up to the people. We cannot blame either America or Japan for their actions. Another point to consider is Eric Foner's justification of the atomic bomb on page 878 in the section titled "The Nature of the War." Foner argues that the nature of the war was killing innocent civilians, and that Hitler killed millions in camps and bombings, and then Britain did the same. However, comparing the United States to Hitler's Germany and the Holocaust is not an excuse, but rather an embarrassment. The decision to drop the atomic bomb was a mistake that could have been avoided. Although what is done is done, it is not acceptable to justify our actions by saying that Hitler killed more innocent people than us. As Joe Paterno said, "We shall act with good intentions, but at times we will be wrong. When we are, let us admit it and try to right the situation." This is a crucial point that we must not forget, despite any pointless justifications.