Evidence

The Dangers of Radiation
As the debate continued over whether the bomb was to be dropped or not, discussions were tasking place and research was being done. Some of this research included the effects the bomb would have, and it was discovered that radiation was one of these. In the very beginning of this document, it is made very clear that "the bomb under consideration differs from normal explosive bombs in that its detonation involves the production of radiation and of radioactive substances." This report was clearly written in hopes to dissuade the bomb's use, as it is said that "this may be of use to the services concerned in the operations, and should probably be brought to their attention." Though U.S. citizens wanted to end the war, there were many clearly opposed towards doing so in such an inhumane way.

Notes of the Interim Committee Meeting
Though the bomb was, obviously dropped in the end, some notes from the Interim Committee Meeting suggest that this was not the favored decision. It was noted that "it was important to realize that the implications of the project went far beyond the needs of the present war." So, even from the beginning, it was clear that this would be an extreme and hopefully avoided course of action. It was also emphasized that "It must be controlled if possible to make it an assurance of future peace rather than menace to civilization." By reading these notes, one can see quite plainly that the seriousness of this weapon was indeed considered and deemed unadviseable. There was, in contrast, no reason expressed for a necessity of this degree of destruction.

Memorandum of Conference with the President
This source is a record of a conversation that was held with the president containing expressed concers about the consequences of dropping the atomic bomb. The point was argued that it would be undesireable for the United States to "get the reputation of outdoing Hitler in atrocities." The bomb, thus, was clearly viewed by some as purely cruel and inhumane.  It was to the point it could even rival the actions of Hitler.  To even be close to comparable to anything Hitler had done would be nothing but a shame to a country.  To end a war is to supposedly promote peace, but the elimination of thousands of innocent people does not seem to support this idea very well.

A Safer Alternative
This source not only strongly advises against the use of the atomic bomb, but also suggests an alternative idea to annihilating large areas in the island of Japan. The proposal is to make a "technical rather than military demonstration." This idea suggests that a mere demonstration of the destruction that could occur if Japan did not surrender would be sufficient and a much more moral solution to the problem. This proves that people were not only opposed to the idea, but also suggesting other possible solutions.  The nation was clearly not united in the decision that was made anyways, showing how President Truman truly was unjustified.

Japan Was Already Arguably Close to Surrender
This document, again, is another argument against the use of the atomic bomb.  However, the standpoint this author takes is to argue the fact that "the Japanese government may be searching for some opportunity which they could use as a medium of surrender." It was stated that because of this, Japan should be given a fair warning along with sufficient time to consider, as "The position of the United States as a great humanitarian nation and the fair play attitude of our people generally is responsible in the main for this feeling." Thus the grounds of this argument not only reside on the fact that Japan was possibly already close to surrender, but also that the use of this kind of weapon would not support the fact that America is the humane and moral nation that it claims to be. However, this violation of the nation's reputation obviously was not given much consideration, judging by the course of action that took place.

Qualified Scientists Petitioned Against the Use of the Bomb
This document here is a petition, and not just from any group of people. This was a petition made by qualified scientists, who would clearly be some of the most well-informed people on the characteristics of the atomic bomb. This kind of ethos gives the argument that much more significance, for if scientists, of all people, would feel concern for the effects of the bomb, then it would definitely be necessary to step back and reconsider a few things. The scientists very clearly present there position, stating that "Atomic bombs are primarily a means for the ruthless annihilation of cities. Once they were introduced as an instrument of war it would be difficult to resist for long the temptation of putting them to such use." The fact that the dangerous long-term effect of this kind of weapon being used was forseen supports that the American public themselves knew there would be consequences and were begging for them to be considered. However, these consequences clearly were not deemed as impotant as they should have been.