Was the U.S. justified in dropping the atomic bomb on Japan? Dropping the Bomb Was the U.S. justified in dropping the atomic bomb on Japan?

Essay Paragraph 1: Intro Paragraph 2: Background Paragraph 3: Options Paragraph 4: What we did Paragraph 5: Conclusion, what option should we have taken?

Background Began in October 1939. FDR learned of potential from Einstein. Manhattan Project December 1942

Background Truman’s decision April 1945 committee to discuss options on detonation Conclusion: no acceptable alternative to direct military use. 3 bombs

The Options Option 1: Pick 3 targets Option 2: Secretly test 1 bomb and pick 2 targets Option 3: Invite Japanese officials to witness test and pick 2 targets Which option did we choose? Why not the other 2?

What we did July 16, first nuclear test at Trinity Test Site near Alamogordo, New Mexico It was a success.

What we did July 26, 1945, Japan rejected a final ultimatum for an unconditional surrender August 6, “Little Boy” was dropped on Hiroshima. Over 70,000 people killed, only one third were military Asked to surrender, dismissed as propaganda

What we did August 9, “Fat Man” was dropped on Nagasaki. Again more than 70,000 people killed August 14, Japan surrendered unconditionally

Casualties Battle of Tarawa 17 Japanese captured Over 5,000 Japanese troops died U.S. lost over 1,000

Casualties Iwo Jima 21,000 Japanese troops were ordered to fight to the death U.S. forces lost 25,851 Marines

Casualties Okinawa Japan lost over 107,000 military and civilian personnel U.S. lost over 20,000 troops

Japanese Mainland Japan still had over 1 million soldiers 3,000 Kamikaze aircraft 5,000 suicide boats Civilians were also prepared to fight to the death

Japanese Mainland Operation Downfall Mainland invasion of Japan Scheduled for November 1, 1945 Taking one of the 4 main islands would cost 75,000 to 100,000 U.S. troops FDR tried to persuade the USSR to enter the war against Japan.

Japanese Mainland Japan was ready to surrender Japan didn’t want the USSR to have any part in the peace process Truman was not Completely informed Japan was short on vital supplies and faced mass starvation Most major Japanese cities were destroyed

Japanese Mainland General Eisenhower, “It wasn’t necessary to hit them with that awful thing.” General LeMay, “The war would have been over in two weeks…The atomic bomb had nothing to do with the end of the war at all.” Admiral Nimitz, “The Japanese had, in fact, already sued for peace…The atomic bomb played no decisive part, from a purely military standpoint, in the defeat of Japan.”

On a side note Although the available evidence is not as yet absolutely conclusive, impressing the Soviets also appears to have been a factor.

Discussion Questions What were the reasons for dropping atomic weapons on Japan?

Discussion Questions What were the reasons against dropping atomic weapons on Japan?

Discussion Questions Should the U.S. have dropped atomic weapons on Japan? Why?