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How Did Truman's Decision To Dropped The Atomic Bomb On Japan

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Harry S. Truman, President of the United States, dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese city of Hiroshima and the Japanese city of Nagasaki on August 6, 1945. This decision has caused a great deal of controversy and debate among historians, political leaders, and the public at large. This essay will analyze President Truman’s decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan, examine its historical background, key players involved in the decision, and the effects of the decision on the world. It will also explore various perspectives on this issue, offering a well-argued analysis of the pros and cons of this decision. First, let’s look at the historical context surrounding President Truman’s decision to launch the first atomic bomb. World War II was an …show more content…

At the same time, the Allied forces were preparing to invade the Japanese mainland. It was expected that the invasion of the Japanese mainland would result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands on both sides. When President Truman learned that the atomic bomb test in New Mexico had been a success on July 16th, 1945, he knew that he now had the opportunity to end World War II with Japan faster and potentially save the lives of millions of Americans and Japanese. The United States dropped the atomic bomb on August 6th, 1945 on the city of Hiroshima, killing about 80,000 people instantly and causing extensive destruction. The following day, August 9th, the atomic bomb was dropped again on the city of Nagasaki, killing about 40,000 persons. On August 15th, 1945, Japan unconditionally surrendered and World War II ended. One of the key figures involved in President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb was Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson. Stimson was a strong advocate for the use of the atomic bomb, arguing that it would bring a quick end to the war and prevent further loss of …show more content…

He believed that the use of the atomic bomb was justified as a means to end the war quickly and demonstrate America's military power. Despite the arguments in favor of dropping the atomic bomb, there are strong counterclaims that challenge the decision. One of the most prominent voices against the use of the bomb was that of Admiral William D. Leahy, Chief of Staff to President Truman. In his memoir, "I Was There," Leahy expressed his opposition to using the atomic bomb, stating, "It is my opinion that the use of this barbarous weapon at Hiroshima and Nagasaki was of no material assistance in our war against Japan. The Japanese were already defeated and ready to surrender." Leahy's perspective raises important questions about the necessity and morality of using such destructive weapons. In conclusion, the decision by President Harry S. Truman to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II remains a topic of intense debate and controversy. While some argue that the use of atomic weapons was necessary to end the war quickly and save lives, others believe that the bombings were unnecessary and morally

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