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Filed Under: Diplomacy and Foreign Relations War and Military 1929-1945: The Great Depression and World War II
Atomic Bombing of Japan Barbaric Tactic or Quick Way to End the War?
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The Issue
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The issue: Should the United States use the atomic bomb against Japan in an attempt to end World War II? Or should the United States pursue another course of action to end the war?
Arguments in favor of the use of the atomic bomb: Using the atomic bomb against Japan is the most effective means of bringing World War II to an end. All indications show that Japan will fight to the very last man, so a drastic course of action is needed. The main alternative to use of the bomba massive invasion of the Japanese home islandswould be far too costly in terms of U.S. soldiers’ lives. By using the bomb, the United States can bring the war to a quick end and save tens of thousands, and perhaps hundreds of thousands, of U.S. lives.
Arguments against the use of the atomic bomb: The use of such a devastating weapon against a civilian population is immoral and barbaric. Also, the bombings are not necessary; indications show that Japan is pursuing peace negotiations, and the United States should allow more time for those negotiations to bear fruit. And in using an atomic weapon, the United States will spark a dangerous arms race with the Soviet Union.
Background
On April 24, 1945, less than two weeks after Harry Truman (D, 1945-53) assumed the presidency following the death of President Franklin Roosevelt (D, 1933-45), Secretary of War Henry Stimson wrote to him: “I think it is very important that I should have a talk with you as soon as possible on a highly secret matter…. [It] has such a bearing on our present foreign relations and has such an important effect upon all my thinking in this field that I think you ought to know about it without much further delay.” Stimson would inform him of the development of an atomic bomb, and less than four months later Truman would have to decide whether to use it against Japan in an attempt to end World War II (1939-45).
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Increase TextPlease answer the 4 questions:
1. Please write 7 or more sentences based on the perspective you think you would have as the given character below:
You are a second generation Japanese American of your own age and gender. Describe your experiences in the internment camp that you have been placed in two weeks ago.
2. You are a Mexican American living in East L.A., and you have just witnessed the Zoot Suit Riots. Describe your thoughts and experiences. The U.S. is already at war with the Axis Powers. How do you feel about the premise that they are fighting against violent fascism now that you have just been attacked. Explain. 7 sentences minimum.
3. Why does Howard Zinn title his chapter “A People’s War”? What is his argument concerning this? That is, does he believe it was a war of justice for all people? Explain. 7 sentences minimum.
4. Who was the US’s primary initial target in WWII- Germany or Japan? Explain your answer by providing detail from the required reading. 8 sentences minimum.
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