Rhetorical Analysis Of Truman's Announcement Of The Atomic Bomb

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Imagine living in a period in which the realities of war encased the world, and the lethal potential to end all suffering was up to a single being. During World War II, tensions between Japan and the United States increased. Despite pleas from US President, Harry Truman, for Japan to surrender, the Japanese were intent on continuing the fight. As a result, Truman ordered the atomic bomb, a deadly revolution in nuclear science, to be dropped on the towns of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. President Harry Truman, in his speech, “Announcement of the Dropping of the Atomic Bomb,” supports his claim that the dropping of the A-bomb shortened the war, saved lives, and got revenge by appealing to American anger by mentioning traumatic historical events and …show more content…

For example, Truman uses repetition of “we will destroy.”(Truman 2) By repeating this over and over, it gives Truman a sense of superiority and power. It makes the audience feel more confident with the Truman’s claim. Also, Truman uses repetition of how the atomic bomb is a major achievement in the United States history. (Truman) By stating this, it reassures American society that the decision to drop the bomb was not a terrible decision. Furthermore, Truman also uses a didactic/serious tone to educate and persuade the audience about the bombing and the bomb itself. For example, Truman states, “The Japanese began the war from the air at Pearl Harbor. They have been repaid many fold. And the end is not yet. With this bomb we have added a new and revolutionary increase in destruction to supplement the growing power of our armed forces. In their present form these bombs are now in production and even more powerful forms are in development.” (Truman 1) By educating the audience, the audience can understand and have more knowledge about why the dropping of the atomic bomb was necessary for society and other countries. By stating repetition and tone, Truman can back up his claim that the atomic bomb saved more lives and shortened the