Was the bomb justified?
opinion Essay
1302 words
Regardless of the different estimations of high and low American casualties, the majority of the estimations echoed towards the high end. Even if some of the estimations were off, it was still an alarming risk for American soldiers, and the President understood that. The President also understood the Japanese soldiers would not go down without a brutal fight if the Americans decided to invade. In spite of the capacity for Japanese soldiers to protect their homeland, and the amount of American lives it would take for the Japanese to surrender, the President still left this as a viable option. It was an option, rather, that would leave the lives of American soldiers out on the battlefield. American casualties and the prolongation of the war were two things that President Truman was trying to avoid, which is why this option, was conclusively put to rest.
Another option brought about by the Truman administration was to hold a demonstration showing the power of the atomic bomb. It had been proposed to possibly set up an isolated part of land, where the Japanese were able to bear witness, so the US military could drop one of their two atomic bombs. “If representatives of the Japanese government, military, and scientific community could have seen the bomb, it might have been enough to convince them of the foolishness of continued resistance. “ The US government thought this method would be an applicable option in order to force the Japanese to surrender. If the Japanese Emperor could have witnessed the capability of the bomb that might have been enough to sway Japan into giving up instead of suffering the effects of a nuclear weapon. In reality, dropping the bomb for a simple demonstration had brought about some concern. ...
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...could save American life and end the war as quickly as possible. All of Truman’s reasons for dropping the bomb in the time of war to save the lives of Americans were justifiable, although maybe not possibly morally justified, because the effects of the bomb were not yet known.
The use of the atomic bomb, chosen above all over alternatives, led to the direct unconditional surrender of Japan. It could be disputed however, that the Soviet Union invasion of Manchuria had a small piece in pushing Japan to surrendering. Either way, the United States was able to force Japan to surrender without costing the lives of American soldiers, nor prolonging the war. Without the use of the atomic bomb, hundreds of thousands of American and Japanese lives could have been lost. Instead, Truman made a justifiable decision when he chose to drop two atomic bombs on Japan.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how president truman left the option of leaving american soldiers out on the battlefield to avoid american casualties and the prolongation of the war.
- Explains that the truman administration proposed a demonstration showing the power of the atomic bomb.
- Opines that even if the bombing demonstration prevailed, there was no guarantee that simple presentation of arms would scare the japanese into surrendering.
- Opines that if the japanese knew where the atomic test was being performed, they might have time to ship all of the american pows to this so called location.
- Explains that the united states wiretapped conversations between the japanese ambassador and the japan foreign minister.
- Opines that it is a matter of utmost urgency that we should not only prevent russia from entering the war but also induce her to adopt favorable attitudes toward japan.
- Analyzes how the ambassador wrote that there was not a lot of reason to hope. the ambassador previously heard about the soviet troop and supply movements heading towards japan.
- Opines that if russia suddenly decided to take advantage of our weakness and intervene against us with force of arms, we would be in a completely hopeless situation.
- Opines that japan feared the soviet union, dropping atomic bombs on hiroshima and nagasaki might not have been the only option.
- Opines that conventional bombing and blockading of japan would prolong the war beyond what president truman believed to be acceptable.
- Explains that president truman authorized the use of the atomic bomb on japan to unleash 'little boy.'
- Argues that the use of the atomic bomb led to the unconditional surrender of japan. the soviet union invasion of manchuria had a small piece in pushing japan to surrender.
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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 - Atomic Bomb Moralityexplanatory essayThe development of the atomic bomb and chemical warfare forever changed the way people saw the world. It was a landmark in time for which there was no turning back. The constant balancing of the nuclear super powers kept the whole of humankind on the brink of atomic Armageddon. Fear of nuclear winter and the uncertainty of radiation created its own form of a cultural epidemic in the United States. During these tense times in human history officials made controversial decisions such as the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Dangerous biological experiments and bombs tests were carried out in the name of the greater good and national defense. Some historians and scientists argue that the decisions and acts carried out by the U.S. during World War II and the Cold War were unethical because of the direct damage they did. The United States' decisions were moral because it can be proven their actions were aimed at achieving a greater good and those that were put in potential danger volunteered and were informed of the risk.
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 - Prompt And Utter Destruction Analysisanalytical essayThe quicker the war ended, the less casualties Americans would suffer. Second, he sought to justify the money and effort that was put into the Manhattan Project. If he did not use the bomb, people would blame him for the lives lost towards the end of the war because he withheld such a powerful weapon. Third, using the bomb would impress the Soviets, make them more subordinate to American desires, and improve overall relations with them. Fourth, Truman realized he lacked reasons to avoid using the bomb. In the military, diplomatic, and political sense, the bomb was the best route. Morality would be the only issue, but these were not a major preventive. Lastly, Truman claimed the Japanese were like a beast and the only way to deal with them was to treat them like a beast. After the attacks on Pearl Harbor, hatred had been built up against the Japanese. This hate diminished any hesitation Truman may have experienced in his decision to drop the
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how walker provides an elaborate analysis of president truman's decision behind using the atomic bomb in japan. walker offers historical and political evidence for and against the use of the weapon.
- Explains walker's reasons why the perception that truman faced a categorical choice between the atomic bomb and an invasion on japan was false.
- Analyzes how truman faced many challenges when he became president after the death of roosevelt. roosevelt had not explained his positions and responsibilities as president.
- Explains that the interim committee was created to address questions concerning the bomb but did not deliberate over the issue of whether japan should be attacked with the new weapon.
- Explains that japan's defeat was inevitable, but the strategy and cost of ending the war was uncertain.
- Describes how the trinity test ensured the atomic bomb was ready, and how truman entered the conference with confidence, instead of being intimidated and subject to the soviets.
- Explains that the japanese did not surrender immediately because of division within their government. suzuki, togo, and yonai all agreed that japan needed to accept the potsdam proclamation as long as the emperor be preserved.
- Explains that truman had five key considerations that provoked him to use the bomb quickly without consulting his advisers about the advantages and potential disadvantages of the new weapons.
- Explains that most americans believed that an invasion of japan would have cost hundreds of thousands of american lives which made them support truman’s use of the bomb far greater.
- Opines walker accomplished his goal by creating a thought-provoking book that provides information and evidence for the reader to conclude whether truman made the right choice or not.
1521 wordsRead More - Was The Dropping Of The Atomic Bomb Justified?analytical essayOn August 6, 1945 the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This was an extremely controversial military strategy in the United States. Was the United States justified in the dropping of the atomic bomb? The U.S. feared the rise of communism and gave aid to any country against it. The U.S. also fought countries threatening the spread communism. One of these countries was Japan. We began a harsh and brutal war against Japan and against communism. This war was killing many soldiers and Japan was not backing down. President Truman decided to use the atomic bomb when things were getting worse. The decision to use the atomic bomb was a difficult one and many people wonder if it was the right choice.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how robert lifton studied the effects of the atomic bomb on the survivors. he identifies five psychological themes of survivors, including overwhelming images of grotesque forms of death, guilt for living through the tragedy, psychic numbing, and the struggle for meaning.
- Narrates how yasushi haraki, a second grader during the bombing, remembers the flash of light and darkness, the ceiling went tumbling down, and his foot was hurt. they returned to hiroshima to find his mother.
- Asks, "was the atomic bombing of japan justifiable?" the pacific war 1941-43.
- Explains that the united states dropped the first atomic bomb on the japanese city of hiroshima, which was an extremely controversial military strategy.
- Explains that the effects of the injuries can be divided into four stages according to the summary report of investigation of atomic bomb casualties.
- Narrates how a young girl named takako okimoto was affected by the bombings. she lost her parents and all her siblings, and the united states government wanted to end the war quickly.
2763 wordsRead More - Prompt and Utter Destructionanalytical essayUpon reading “Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs Against Japan” by J. Samuel Walker, a reader will have a clear understanding of both sides of the controversy surrounding Truman’s decision to drop atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. The controversy remains of whether or not atomic bombs should have been used during the war. After studying this text, it is clear that the first atomic bomb, which was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, was a necessary military tactic on ending the war. The second bomb, which was dropped on Nagasaki, however, was an unnecessary measure in ensuring a surrender from the Japanese, and was only used to seek revenge.
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 Decision to Drop the Atomic Bombopinion essayTruman, I believe, wanted the war over with the least amount of American blood shed. I believe that with the help of his trusted advisors, he saw that the dropping of the bomb was a faster, more effective way to end with the least amount of U.S. casualti...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that president truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on hiroshima and nagasaki in 1945 was based on military necessity and on the nation’s reputation.
- Opines that truman wanted the war over with the least amount of american blood shed. the idea of a soviet union invasion probably did not settle well for the president on different levels.
- Opines that truman didn't know the lasting effects of the atom bomb, but piled upon facts about the actual bomb and the projects supporting them, it was too late to change his decision.
- Opines that the motive for dropping the bomb was pressure from many people in power who surrounded him.
- Opines that truman and his board were looking to shock stalin and the soviet union on several levels.
- Opines that truman was a young (knowledge and experience wise) president forced to deal with ground-breaking technology as one way to end this situation.
489 wordsRead More - Why the United States dropped the Atomic Bombanalytical essayWhy the United States dropped the Atomic Bomb The atomic bomb is the subject of much controversy. Since its first detonation in 1945, the entire world has heard the aftershocks of that blast. Issues concerning Nuclear Weapons sparked the Cold War. We also have the atomic bomb to thank for our relative peace in this time due to the fear of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD).
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the atomic bomb is the subject of much controversy since its first detonation in 1945.
- Opines that the allies knew that japan's foreign minister shigenori togo and emperor hirohito supported an end to the war.
- Analyzes how franklin delano roosevelt asked josef stalin for russian support in the war with japan. roosevelt assumed that japan would have to be invaded.
- Analyzes how the united states and the soviet union became superpowers as world war ii ended. they used the atomic bomb to intimidate russia and not to force a war with japan.
- Analyzes how the united states disliked communism with an extreme passion, despite being allies with russia during the second world war.
- Analyzes how the united states dropped the atomic bombs on hiroshima and nagasaki for the primary reason of intimidating russia.
- Describes claypool, jane, and grolier's turning points of world war ii: hiroshima and nagasaki.
1239 wordsRead More - The Decision of a Lifetime: Dropping the Atomic Bomb on Japananalytical essayHistorian Robert James Maddox starts the debate by siding with Truman and states that he made the right decision in dropping the bomb. Maddox uses several influential meetings, speculations and the presidents’ personal opinions on the situation to defend his statement. Some examples he uses include, Japanese military power and mentality, saving American lives, and unconditional surrender. In short, because the use of the atomic bomb occurred, the Japanese military lost their lust to fight to the end, countless lives were saved, and Japan surrendered. Therefore, although many Japanese lives were lost in the conflict the right decision was made by Harry Truman to authorize the usage of the bombs.
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 - Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Atomic Bombargumentative essayTruman wanted to avoid losing up to a million United States citizens with the continued bombings and a follow up invasion ("AtomicBombMuseum.org - After the Bomb"). Truman made the tough choice of dropping the two atomic bombs in light of ending the war. Because of his choice, many lives were Japanese, Korean, and even American prisoner’s lives that were lost. The Japanese lost their homes, lives, and loved ones. Truman finally got the surrender he needed and effectively ended the war, only after destroying the lives of
In this essay, the author
- Explains that truman's decision to drop both bombs on japan had as many disadvantages as it did advantages.
- Explains that the second bomb, fat man, was dropped three days later effectively ending world war ii. although it was bombed, the hills surrounding nagasaki did a better job containing the blast.
- Explains the disadvantages of the nuclear war in japan, including the loss of civilians, children, and the elderly.
- Explains that japan dealt with the aftermath of the bombing by installing community bathhouses, community housing, and caring for orphaned children.
- Explains that japan lost two cities to bombings because they refused to surrender, causing truman to attack nagasaki and hiroshima to avoid losing up to a million united states citizens.
- Explains that the bombs ended the war and saved many lives for the united states citizens. truman made the tough call and got the surrender he needed to end war between japan and the us and our allies.
- Explains that the bomb dropping in japan showed the rest of the world the united states was superior considering we had atomic weapons.
- Analyzes how the use of the bombs in japan demonstrated our lethality and prevented the united states from having to use more force in the future.
- Opines that although truman made the right decision to bomb japan, many lives were lost and destroyed due to the bombings. the cleanup and aftermath of the cities put japan in harsh times.
- Concludes that truman made rash decisions but they worked in our favor. japan surrendered to us but not without consequences.
998 wordsRead More - Use of the Atomic Bomb Against Japan was Justifiedargumentative essayUse of the Atomic Bomb Against Japan was Justified The use of the atomic bomb against Japan was completely justified in both cause and impact. An intense weapon was necessary to force a quick Japanese surrender. The bomb saved thousands upon thousands of American and Japanese lives that would have been lost if the war continued or an invasion occurred. The bomb was the only way to end the suffering of the millions who were being held captive by the Japanese oppressor.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the use of the atomic bomb against japan was justified because it compelled a japanese surrender, saved countless lives and acted as an anti-soviet deterrent.
- Explains that japan was unwilling to surrender and ready to wage a suicidal resistance if they could not get the terms they wanted.
- Analyzes how the atomic bomb saved an enormous amount of american and japanese lives.
- Opines that the atomic bomb was the answer for direct revenge against the cruel japanese militarists.
- Explains that the bomb served as a powerful anti-soviet deterrent to the shaky soviet allies. the bomb was an extraordinary tool in international diplomacy.
- Concludes that the decision to drop the atomic bomb against japan was justified because it coerced a japanese surrender, saved countless lives, and acted as an anti-soviet deterrent.
1127 wordsRead More