The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb in Japan

The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb on Japan: A Historical Analysis
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
March 18, 2023
In August 1945, President Harry S. Truman ordered dropping of two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. The decision remains controversial today, with many arguing that it was necessary to end World War II while others argue it was a war crime. This paper will investigate why Truman decided to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. It will also explore the arguments for and against the decision, the interpretations of historians, and how the culture of the U.S. at that time may have influenced the decision.
Opposing Arguments
The primary argument for dropping the atomic bomb was that it would force Japan to surrender, thus ending the war and saving American lives. Japan had refused to surrender despite heavy bombing by the U.S., and an invasion of Japan was expected to result in massive casualties for both sides. The U.S. estimated that an invasion of Japan would result in 500,000 to 1 million American casualties (History.com Editors, 2022). The atomic bomb was seen as a way to avoid such a scenario.
The main argument against dropping the atomic bomb was that it was unnecessary and cruel. Japan was already on the verge of surrender, and the U.S. could have continued to bomb them without using atomic weapons. The bombing of civilian populations, especially in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was seen as a war crime (Mason, 2022). Some also argued that the atomic bomb was primarily used to intimidate the Soviet Union rather than to end the war.
In addition to the arguments for and against the decision, ethical and moral concerns were raised about the use of atomic weapons. Many people believed such destructive power was inhumane and violated the principles of just warfare. Some argued that using atomic weapons constituted a war crime and a violation of international law. The bombing of civilian populations, especially in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was seen as particularly egregious, as it resulted in the deaths of over 200,000 people, many of them civilians (National Parks Service, n.d.). Others, however, argued that the atomic bomb was a necessary evil in total war and that the loss of life on both sides would have been more significant if the U.S. had not used such a weapon.
The decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan was complex and controversial, with arguments for and against it based on military, ethical, and moral considerations.
Historian Interpretations
Historians have differed in interpreting Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb. Some argue it was a necessary evil, while others see it as a war crime. Historian Robert J. Maddox argues that Truman's decision was based on a desire to end the war quickly and save American lives (Craig & Radchenko, 2017). Maddox also suggests that Truman ...