The Decision to Drop the Bomb essays

The Decision to Drop the Bomb essays President Trumans decision to drop the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was unnecessary, rash, inhumane, and had many negative consequences. Truman didnt allow enough time to study the effects of the bomb, and his hasty decision resulted in a horrific number of deaths, as well as long-lasting and unforseen effects both for Japan and for the rest of the world. Truman was attempting to bring an end to conflict, but he did not consider that dropping the bomb might be dangerous for the long term security of our world. In this essay I plan to argue that Trumans decision was made out of fear rather than necessity, and that his rash decision caused more harm than good. On August 6th, 1945, the United States dropped the first nuclear bomb ever used in war on Hiroshima, Japan. Only three days later, the second and last nuclear bomb ever used in war was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. These two bombings ended World War II in Asia, or the Pacific theater of operations. On August 15th, 1945, nine days after the first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan surrendered unconditionally to the United States and its allies. The decision of American leaders to drop the bombs was a very rash choice. Not only was Trumans decision to drop the first bomb hasty, but the United States waited just three days to drop the second bomb on Nagasaki. Truman did not allow nearly enough time for the Japanese to surrender before attacking again. Also, President Truman didnt even know about the atom bomb when he was vice president; he found out after he was sworn in as president. He obviously didnt know enough about the bomb or its effects to make an educated decision. Trumans decision was also rushed because he feared Japan as an enemy. He felt threatened by the Japanese because of their extreme loyalty to their country, and he knew they wouldnt back down easily. This fear was part of his decision ...