The Pros And Cons Of The Atomic Bombs

In August 1945, amidst the closing stages of World War II, the United States made the monumental decision to deploy atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Leading up to that monumental decision, the Pacific and European Theaters of World War II saw fierce battles between Japan and Allied forces, particularly the United States. The conflict was marked by intense fighting, with significant losses on both sides. Specifically, the Battle of Okinawa, fought from April to June 1945, was one of the bloodiest battles. It involved intense ground combat and heavy casualties on both sides. Also, the Soviet Union was continuing to gain power throughout Eastern Europe and the United States began to fear that the Soviets were going to gain more territory in Asia.

Despite alternate routes and solutions being available, the United States made the right decision to drop the atomic bombs in Japan because it could save at least half a million American lives, it would bring a swift end to the war, and it would show strength to the Soviet Union. Although controversial, the decision to drop the atomic bombs ultimately served to save American lives. As Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson, noted in his memoirs, "I was informed that such operations might be expected to cost over a million casualties, to American forces alone. Estimates on Japanese military and civilians were estimated at four to five times greater" (Document A). This stark reality highlights the immense human cost that would have been incurred had the United States opted for a full-scale invasion of Japan instead. Stimson’s memoir also discusses that in order to create and preserve peace, the complete destruction and surrender of Japan was necessary. This was one of three major reasons why the United States’ decision was the right