How Did Harry S. Truman's Decision To Drop The Atomic Bomb

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Harry S. Truman became the president of the United States after succeeding Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, shortly before the end of World War Two. Truman made the most noteworthy decision while in office, dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The whole world was in shock; everyone had their own views on the catastrophic event, even within the United States. Not only were the Japanese angered, but numerous Americans were too. Many question the justification of dropping the deadliest weapon in 1945. Truman stated it was used to hasten the end of the war and save lives1. On the other hand, historians also believed that it was a crime against humanity and too many outside pressures influenced Truman to say yes. Both of the opposing views were looked at in greater depth to determine the rightfulness behind President Truman’s decision. Through the analysis of various sources in this investigation, it becomes clear that the extent to which Truman decided to drop the bomb was to benefit both the United States and Japan.
Even today, discussion occurs over the use of the …show more content…
At least another 60,000 would be dead by the end of the year from the effects from the atomic fallout”11. Although these numbers may seem high, if the United States planned a full land invasion of the Japanese home islands, there would have been an immeasurable amount of more casualties. The use of weapon saved months of fighting, resources, and American and Japanese soldiers’ lives. Truman wasn’t heartless when he announced to drop the bomb, he was preventing Japan from making war. President Truman was not intentionally destroying Japan’s culture or people13. He recommended dropping the atomic bomb because it would hasten the end of the war and save lives. The effects of the event support his claims, however, the Japanese do not view the bomb as beneficial and

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