World War Two was a terrible time in the United States. Many tough decisions had to be made that would be best for the whole country. President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan may have been one of the hardest decisions that a president has ever had to make.
In 1945, during World War Two, Americans were growing unquestionably exhausted by the war. World War Two seemed like it would never end, and Japan would not surrender. Most American lives were centered around what was happening in the war. It was not clear to anyone when the war would be coming to an end. It is stated that “American soldiers and civilians were weary from four years of war, yet the Japanese military was refusing to give up their fight.” (“The Decision to Drop the Bomb,” n.d.). In addition, the United States was losing countless soldiers. Conventional bombing did not appear to be being very affective in ending the war. To end the war, something would have to be done. President Truman would be faced with a difficult decision to be made in an attempt to prevent more American lives from being lost. This article notes that “in these most bloody conflicts the United States had sustained more than 75,000 casualties.” (Atomic Bomb,” n.d.). A decision had to be made to bring American suffering to an end. American soldiers and civilians were ready for World War Two to come to an end. With as many lives that had been lost, Americans were waiting for the end to be in sight. President Truman had to make the decision to drop an atomic bomb on Japan, or wait it out and possibly continue to lose large numbers of men. There would be many consequences as an outcome, but the Japanese were not giving up. Nathan Donohue states in his article that “… the top priority for President Truman was to end the war as quickly as possible with the fewest U.S. casualties.” (“Understanding the Decision,” n.d.). Finally, President Truman made the decision to go ahead …show more content…
First, those who believe that the act stems from racism state that the atomic bomb would not have been used on anyone other than the Japanese. For the most part, those against Truman’s decision believe that if they had the bomb in earlier times it would not have been used still. For example, Michael Barnes, author of “Arguments Against the Atomic Bomb,” insists “that had the bomb been ready in time it never would have been used against Germany.” (n.d.). In addition, the opposition has a right to believe this opinion. Many believe that the American society had a strong racist viewpoint of the Japanese, and after Pearl Harbor it only grew stronger for some Americans. Some citizens claim that they believe this is why Truman made his decision to use the atomic bombs. Barnes also states that “by contrast, anti-Japanese racism in American society targeted the Japanese as a race of people, and demonstrated a level of hatred comparable with Nazi Anti-Jewish propaganda.” (“Arguments Against the Atomic Bomb,” n.d.). After researching, racism may be a component to the bigger reason, but only by a small amount. President Truman was placed in a situation where either decision would have its downfalls. Although, his decision will be remembered
In 1945, during World War Two, Americans were growing unquestionably exhausted by the war. World War Two seemed like it would never end, and Japan would not surrender. Most American lives were centered around what was happening in the war. It was not clear to anyone when the war would be coming to an end. It is stated that “American soldiers and civilians were weary from four years of war, yet the Japanese military was refusing to give up their fight.” (“The Decision to Drop the Bomb,” n.d.). In addition, the United States was losing countless soldiers. Conventional bombing did not appear to be being very affective in ending the war. To end the war, something would have to be done. President Truman would be faced with a difficult decision to be made in an attempt to prevent more American lives from being lost. This article notes that “in these most bloody conflicts the United States had sustained more than 75,000 casualties.” (Atomic Bomb,” n.d.). A decision had to be made to bring American suffering to an end. American soldiers and civilians were ready for World War Two to come to an end. With as many lives that had been lost, Americans were waiting for the end to be in sight. President Truman had to make the decision to drop an atomic bomb on Japan, or wait it out and possibly continue to lose large numbers of men. There would be many consequences as an outcome, but the Japanese were not giving up. Nathan Donohue states in his article that “… the top priority for President Truman was to end the war as quickly as possible with the fewest U.S. casualties.” (“Understanding the Decision,” n.d.). Finally, President Truman made the decision to go ahead …show more content…
First, those who believe that the act stems from racism state that the atomic bomb would not have been used on anyone other than the Japanese. For the most part, those against Truman’s decision believe that if they had the bomb in earlier times it would not have been used still. For example, Michael Barnes, author of “Arguments Against the Atomic Bomb,” insists “that had the bomb been ready in time it never would have been used against Germany.” (n.d.). In addition, the opposition has a right to believe this opinion. Many believe that the American society had a strong racist viewpoint of the Japanese, and after Pearl Harbor it only grew stronger for some Americans. Some citizens claim that they believe this is why Truman made his decision to use the atomic bombs. Barnes also states that “by contrast, anti-Japanese racism in American society targeted the Japanese as a race of people, and demonstrated a level of hatred comparable with Nazi Anti-Jewish propaganda.” (“Arguments Against the Atomic Bomb,” n.d.). After researching, racism may be a component to the bigger reason, but only by a small amount. President Truman was placed in a situation where either decision would have its downfalls. Although, his decision will be remembered