Answer the discussion question using the information you read in your textbook,
ID: 469815 • Letter: A
Question
Answer the discussion question using the information you read in your textbook, the videos from myhistorylab, and the three youtube videos linked above.
President Truman learned about the creation of the atomic bomb during the conference that took place in Yalta. He had no previous knowledge about the Manhattan Project or the fact that President Roosevelt authorized the research and creation of the bomb. Millions of dollars went into its creation. Despite this, Truman had one job to do: bring an end to the war.
Weigh Truman's options. On one hand, you have the bomb which could end the war soon and possibly save countless lives in the process. On the other, you have the destruction and killings of thousands of people. Not to mention the political and military consequences of using such a weapon.
"Do you think the use of the atomic bomb was the right choice? Use examples to justify your answer and cite your source(s). Respond to at least two of your classmates. Engage in a meaningful discussion on this topic. Don't just say, "Yeah, man, I totally agree." Contribute to the conversation and don't forget to follow the class discussion rules."
Explanation / Answer
There are controversial views regarding the use of atomic bomb at the end of the World War II. However, I am of the opinion that violence cannot end the violence of any form or settle any unrest. It was a frightening era of warfare which was not necessary. It created a horrifying history which left behind gruesome and chilling situation.
There is no rationalisation of more than 135000 lost lives in Hiroshima and more than 65000 lives in Nagasaki. The after effects of the atomic bomb effects were deadly and crippled the nation. It was a terrible decision which cannot be supported on humanitarian grounds.
The idea of Nationality and false pride around stern identities have been created by humans and the idea of power which has always been in the hands of the bourgeoisie throughout history has used the proletariats or civilians as their guinea pigs costing millions of lives.
There was no need to escalate this so much knowing the effect of the atomic bomb. Truman did not even reexamine the decision of using the atom bomb without testing. Truman later stated a diplomatic view by hiding the fact that Japan was already being defeated as United states had industrial sources to use against Japan. The meeting of Prince Konoye with Emperor Hirohito revealed that Japan was already losing the war. The president intentionally hid this from everyone and did not pay any heed to the reconsideration of his decision. The focus was on maximum devastation and destroying the name of Japan from the World Map.
The government would have never used the atom bomb against white civilians; the issue of racism could also be a trigger to go ahead with such a strong decision. There were also ulterior motives to this decision of using the bomb as a warning to the Soviets.
In fact the secretary of war Henry Stimson did not support the use of bombs and called it unnecessarily. The use of destructive atomic bomb reveals that the president was interested in destroying the nation completely and not prepare for invasion. Thus there was no remorse in destroying the schools, hospitals and killing millions of lives.
There is an important question to understand if the lives of humans matter or is it about establishing power at the cost of crippling the present and future of millions of lives and crippling a country.