Thesis and Abstact

Germany surrendered, but World War II had yet to end. President Truman faced a decision that would change the course of history forever: whether or not to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. Dropping it obviously guaranteed surrender, but the destruction and devastation this choice would cause was truly unfathomable. However, Truman made his decision, arguing the need to save Anerican lives, and Japan was utterly and irreversably destroyed. The United States was unjustified in the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, because it was clearly a choice made without sufficient consideration for the lives of thousands of innocent people and possible consequences.

President Truman did indeed have his reasons for dropping the atomic bomb. The question, however, is if these reasons for dropping the bomb outweighed the reasons against dropping it. One would think, after seeing the course of action that was taken, that many were united in supporting this decision. Further research, on the contrary, suggests otherwise. Many were wary about the effects of such a deadly weapon, and truly were against taking such drastic measures. This included even the most qualified scientists, who would clearly have been the most knowledgable on the subject of the characteristics and terrible power of the bomb. Many feared the extent of the damage that would result, and were correct. Not only was Japan left in ruins, thousands killed, and many wounded, but people even years later still suffered from the aftermath of the radiation.  One needs to take in to account that American lives were indeed spared, but does this justify the annhiliation of the lives of many, even innocent, Japanese?

The Japanese were forced to face what was once their homeland, now a barren wasteland. This of course pertains to those that even survived.

The damage was far beyond extensive.