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The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb

The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb. Truman becomes President in April of 1945 after Roosevelt’s death. He learns of the atomic bomb after be becomes President. Truman’s choice – Invade Japan or drop the bomb?. Arguments for dropping the bomb.

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The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb

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  1. The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb

  2. Truman becomes President in April of 1945 after Roosevelt’s death He learns of the atomic bomb after be becomes President.

  3. Truman’s choice – Invade Japan or drop the bomb?

  4. Arguments for dropping the bomb How many Americans soldiers would die in an invasion? • A million? (this number was put forward after the bomb was dropped) • What number is the threshold? • How does an American president make this choice?

  5. Arguments for dropping the bomb Justified because of Japanese war tactics • American racism against the Japanese • Would we ever have dropped the bomb on Germany, which was “civilized”?

  6. Arguments for dropping the bomb Secretary of War Henry Stimson • Military Pressures • More deaths with an invasion • Cost of the invasion • Cost of the already-built bomb • Use the bomb on military targets • All is fair in war

  7. Arguments for dropping the bomb Send a message to the Soviets • Tensions with the Soviet Union are growing as World War II is ending • Dropping the bomb be a powerful statement of American strength and military dominance

  8. Alternative demonstration of the bomb? Drop the bomb in a neutral location with international onlookers Good idea? Problems! Would the information be accurately reported to the empire? What if the bomb was a dud? No bombs to spare!

  9. Unconditional surrender? • Would the Japanese have surrender without us having to drop the bomb if we had eliminated the requirement of an “unconditional surrender”? • Guarantee to allow the emperor to remain as emperor? • Would this embolden the Japanese to fight for better terms? • Concern over public opinion. Is this a sign of weakness?

  10. The decision is made

  11. Hiroshima “Little Boy” was dropped from the Enola Gay on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945

  12. Hiroshima The wind generated by the bomb was felt up to 1.5 miles away

  13. Hiroshima The wind hit the mountains, bounced off, and hit the city center a second time

  14. Hiroshima The shadows of the parapets imprinted on the road surface Melted sake bottles The shadow of the leaves melted onto an electrical pole

  15. Hiroshima • Approximately 140,000 died from the effects of the bomb by the end of the year (from a total population of about 350,000) • Soldiers, citizens of all ages, and Korean factory workers were among the dead

  16. Nagasaki “Fat Man” was dropped from Bockscaron Nagasaki on August 9, 1945

  17. Nagasaki • Nagasaki was a larger city and “Fat Man” was a more powerful bomb. • Damage was not as extensive as the damage at Hiroshima because of the geography.

  18. World War II is over The Empire of Japan surrenders on August 14, 1945

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