The Decision To Drop The Atomic Bomb

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President 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. A huge proponent to the use of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and August 9 of 1945 was President Harry Truman. Although they value the ideas and contributions out in by the committee they choose, the president ultimately has the last say on war time decisions. It just so happens that President Truman wanted to drop the bomb. President Truman believed that Japan's leaders would not surrender to the terms outlined in Potsdam meeting. He saw it fit to drop the bombs and end all doubt. Another man that backed the use of the atomic bombs was James Byrnes. Secretary of State, Byrnes was, in essence, Truman's right hand man. He did not want the Russians to get involved in the war in Asia and felt that the atomic bomb would keep them away. One of the main opponents to the atomic bomb was William Leahy. Chief of Staffs to the president, Leahy saw the bombings as barbaric and unnecessary as he believed the war against the Japanese was already won. He believed war should not be won by killing women and children. General Douglas MacArthur also believed that the dropping of the atomic bombs were militarily unjustified. He thought the war could have need ended wit... ... middle of paper ... ...ved to American soil, the use of the atomic bombs are justified. There probably is not a leader who would not go to any length to protect his or her country. Truman did what he believed he had to make his country move on and to end World War II. There has not been a downward spiral with weapon usage since then either. No country has used a more destructive weapon on another country since the two bombings so the United States has not caused an even more violent Earth. President Harry S. Truman made the right call and ended the war. Japan has moved on since then. They now have become one of the world's wealthiest countries and one of the United States' most powerful allies. Although Japan was hurting for a while, they overcame their struggles which is testament to how strong the people of Japan are, just ask Tamiko Tamonaga and Sachie Tashima. Word Count: 888

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