Truman’s Decision SS5H6: The student will explain the reasons for America’s involvement in WWII c. Discuss President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki Information from “The Final Blow” edhelper.com and

The Revisionists believe that the destruction of two Japanese cities would accomplish several things. Most obviously, it would punish the Japanese for the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the atrocious treatment of American prisoners of war. Also, an atomic bombing of Japan is also the only thing that would justify the expense of the Manhattan Project. If this expense was not justified, Truman would have faced a Congressional inquiry into the misappropriation of $2 billion. Not only did he want to avoid Congressional hearings, but he also wanted another term of office. His chances of reelection would have been nil if it were learned by the general public that he wasted money and American lives by shelving a weapon that could have ended the war more quickly. The final Revisionist claim is that Truman wanted to give the U.S. and edge in the coming Cold War by showing that he was not afraid to use these weapons of mass destruction.

LAND INVASION VS ATOMIC BOMBS 1.Save lives and end war quickly (100,000 lives) 2.Re-election 3.Not afraid to use weapons of mass destruction in coming Cold War 4.Punish Japanese for bombing Pearl Harbor 5.Punish Japanese for treatment of P.O.W.s 6.Justify expense of the Manhattan Project 7.Radiation will destroy the land for years. 1.Over 100,000 Japanese citizens lost lives in bombing since February of Prolong war by a year 3.Battles and blockades raise death toll to over 1 million 4.At least 100,000 more Allied soldiers killed 5.Would Japanese follow through on Peace talks

Atomic Bomb on: Hiroshima, Japan A replica of the Little Boy atomic bomb that Was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Peace Memorial in Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped. The Hiroshima mushroom cloud, through a window in one of the three B-29s which went on the bombing run.

Hiroshima, Japan Population: 300,000 Before the atomic bomb After the atomic bomb –80,000 dead; ⅔ city destroyed

The Bocks Car and its crew, who dropped the "Fat Man" plutonium type atomic bomb on Nagasaki. “I realize the tragic significance of the atomic bomb... It is an awful responsibility which has come to us... We thank God that it has come to us, instead of to our enemies; and we pray that He may guide us to use it in His ways and for His purposes.” —President Harry Truman, August 9, 1945 Atomic Bomb on: Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki, Japan Population: 240,000 Before the atomic bomb After the atomic bomb –75,000 dead –½ city destroyed

Writing Assignment Write a letter to President Truman persuading him to either drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan OR to invade the country of Japan. Use information from your graphic organizer to support your choice.