President Truman's Decision: Why The Atomic Bomb Was Justified

Envision having to make a decision that could end 220,000 lives. President Truman had to make a decision of this magnitude. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city, Hiroshima. When Japan did not surrender, the United States dropped another atomic bomb three days later. President Truman made this decision because he believed it would end World War II, which it did. The bombing attacks resulted in 225,000 total casualties, and destruction of both cities. Even though dropping the atomic bombs destroyed both Japanese cities, President Truman’s decision to drop the bomb was justified, because it saved both American and Japanese lives, ended the war quickly, and established the United States as a superpower.

In the same fashion

Karl Compton wrote in the article “If the Atomic Bomb Had Not Been Used.” that when they used the atomic bomb, it “saved hundreds of thousands-- perhaps several millions-- of lives, both American and Japanese.” If they had not used the atomic bomb, the war would have extended for a while. The bomb contributed to an instantaneous end to the war. In the article “Fifty Years From Trinity” it is expressed that the bombs brought chaos and destruction to the cities in Japan. Yet, Japan’s confidence was not demolished. Therefore, the bomb was essential to Japan surrendering. It was clear that the ammunition used by the United States was far superior to that was used by the Japanese. “Bomb History Sill Bears Bitterness” took an interesting and unexpected route when interviewing sources. The author chose to interview Hiroshima bombing survivor, Ken Nakano. Even he thought that the bombings were imperative to the ending of the war. Despite the US triumphant victory over Japan, President Truman’s decision to use the atomic bomb resulted in the ending of “the most destructive war in