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The Pros And Cons Of The Atomic Bomb

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Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb World War II was one of the most destructive conflicts in all of human history, with an estimated 60 million deaths. It involved the axis powers made up of Germany, Japan, and Italy battling against the allied powers of Britain, the Soviet Union, and the United States after the bombing of pearl harbor. This war was caused not only by the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, but also the economic depression in Germany leading to conquest to regain former power. War began in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, the United States having been provoked by Japan ended the war by dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. A war can be considered just if it is a nation defending its homeland or protecting an oppressed …show more content…

The United States' decision to bomb Japan is ethical, because it gave them the chance to have an impact on the course of the war and the events after it. The source is a document from secretary of war Henry Stimson to United States President Truman. It discusses a meeting between Stimson and President Truman regarding the possibility of using the atomic bomb against Japan. The secretary of war states that “It is an atomic bomb, It is a harnessing of the basic power of the universe. The force from which the sun draws its power has been loosed against those who brought war to the far east.” The document suggests that Turman intended to use the bomb in hopes of saving American lives, and justified it by claiming the Japanese started the war and had refused to surrender. Truman believed that the use of the atomic bomb would shorten or end the war with Japan. James Byrnes who was one of Truman’s advisors for the atomic bomb. He wanted to keep the Soviet Union …show more content…

America's awareness of the Russian expansion while struggling with Japan creates a justifiable reason for the use of the atomic bomb. James Byrnes was one of Truman's advisors on the atomic bomb. In addition to defeating Japan, he wanted to keep the Soviet Union from expanding its influence in Asia and to limit its influence in Europe. The first image on this source shows a picture of Joseph Stalin spreading Russian influence all across Europe. He is shown reaching into Germany and Finland. The other image shown on this source, is president Truman holding a bill to Joseph Stalin while holding the atomic bomb. This is telling us that the bomb was needed to intimidate Russia into cooperation. The secretary of war hoped that “using the atomic bomb now, would prevent a future war and the bomb from ever being used again.” The United States became aware of the Russian expansion in Europe and needed a way to prevent it. The show of force that was the atomic bomb may have prevented this future war with Russia. This show of force may also have prevented the atomic bomb from ever being used again. Japan ready to Surrender Slide The document includes the japanese surrender ceremony, a man giving away his military sword, and the Japanese tradition of Seppuku “After the government’s strictures

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