The Bombing of Japan: An Analysis of Truman's Decision in WWII

This essay examines President Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, exploring the historical context, political pressures, and differing perspectives on the matter. It delves into the debates surrounding the bombings, including arguments for and against the decision, the impact of the Soviet Union's involvement, and the racial hostility between the United States and Japan. The essay also considers the devastating consequences of the bombings, including the loss of life and long-term health effects, while acknowledging the prevailing American sentiment at the time. Ultimately, it reflects on the complexities and lasting impact of Truman's decision, highlighting the profound human cost of war and the ethical dilemmas faced by leaders in times of conflict. Desklib provides access to this essay and a wealth of other academic resources for students.

Running head: TRUMAN’S DECISION TO BOMB JAPAN IN WORLD WAR II
TRUMAN’S DECISION TO BOMB JAPAN IN WORLD WAR II
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TRUMAN’S DECISION TO BOMB JAPAN IN WORLD WAR II
Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................2
Discusssion:.....................................................................................................................................2
Conclusion:......................................................................................................................................4
References:......................................................................................................................................5

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TRUMAN’S DECISION TO BOMB JAPAN IN WORLD WAR II
Introduction:
The bombs were developed by and with the supervision of Dwight D. Eisenhower,
Douglas McArthur, William Leahy and assistant secretary of war John J. McCloy. The two
bombs were dropped on two cities of Japan – Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9 in
1945, respectively. Apart from the indelible scar that the bombs had left on the human history,
there has been a long history of bombings. The focus of this essay will be the decision of
bombing the Japanese cities and whether it was made with a view to end the long term hostility
between the two nations and make Japan surrender to the US and its allies in Second World War.
Discussion:
There is a long debate regarding the bombings. Erstwhile American president Truman,
within two weeks of being sworn in as president, was informed by Stimson, who were the
secretary of War at that time, that within four months the most dangerous weapon would be
ready for use (Herken, 2014). However, Truman was not of the opinion of using the bombs.
Even the scientists in the Manhattan project were divided between a camp that wished to use the
bombs to use where it is “most effective” and to have a “military demonstration in Japan.”
(Reed, 2014). American government also tried to assure Soviet Russia that Germany will not
make a solid comeback into the war. The military surrender of Japan was necessary at this point
in the war in order to consolidate the powers of Western nations. Secondly, Truman’s decision
was indirectly affected by previous president Roosevelt legacy that states “unconditional
surrender” of the enemies to end the war. On May 8, 1945, as Germans surrendered
unconditionally, Americans’ desire for total victory in the pacific were growing more intense.
Even the two nations, America and Japan were having extreme racial hostility towards each

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TRUMAN’S DECISION TO BOMB JAPAN IN WORLD WAR II
other. Many Americans were led to believe that the Jaspanese emperor Hirohito was the reason
behind Japan launching an aggressive war against enemies. Japanese also embodied a true
Japanese spirit into emperor Hirohito. In mid-July of 1945, Truman met British secretary
Clement Attlee and Soviet leader Josef Stalin in Postdam conference, to ensure Soviet
participation in the war against Japan and to rebuild the future of Europe with the knowledge of
successful testing of the bomb in New Mexico desert prior to attending the conference (Selden &
Selden, 2015). Finally, Truman, Attlee and the nationalist government of china declared the
result of Postdam conference that announced that Japan will face utter destruction unless they
surrender (Messer, 2017).
Historians have had differing views both in support for and against the decision. Some
revisionist historians argued that the Americans wanted Japan to surrender before Soviet could
make entry into the pacific war. Andrew Rotter argued that Truman wanted to save American
lives as well as win the battle against Japan without minimal loss. Thomas Zeiler concluded in
the chronicled of post-bombing brutality that the bombing was done out of military reasons
rather than political reasons (Prados, 2013). Historians also feel that the bigger shock and total
surrender from Japan was observed not by the bombings, but when Soviet declared a war against
Japan two days after the bombs were dropped (Wilson, 2013). Japanese historian Yuki Tanaka
said that Soviet would destroy the age-old imperial system and execute the royal family.
A survey revealed that 85% among the American citizens were in support of the
bombings (Messer, 2017). Although the percentage of Americans dropped to a much lower
number at present, only the older people now stick to their opinion in support for the decision.
Americans were fearing the aggressive Japanese military actions and both the countries were
hostile towards the other’s race. Professor of History in Harvard University, Charles Maier

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TRUMAN’S DECISION TO BOMB JAPAN IN WORLD WAR II
argued in an interview that it would have been very difficult for Truman to justify the
prolongation of the war, which would have brought a great number of casualties to the American
soldiers and citizens alike, when he was already aware of the nuclear weapon at his disposal.
President Truman can never be dismissed as impatient in taking his decisions. He had
explored every option at his hand before declaring the ultimatum against Japan. On the other
hand, pressure was building in the military situations in both the camps. President Truman did
what he could do to secure the lives of the American citizens.
Conclusion:
Million lives were lost within a few days of the two bombings. Lingering radioactive
effects of the nuclear bombs on Japanese people caused lifelong incurable diseases. Regardless
of the unavoidable circumstances leading to taking the decision to bomb, as has been discussed
above, the lives of half million innocent Japanese were put in permanent misery. Although
America successfully ended with a victory over the Pacific war, the common people’s miseries
were unbearable and haunt them till date.

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TRUMAN’S DECISION TO BOMB JAPAN IN WORLD WAR II
References:
Herken, G. (2014). The Winning Weapon: The Atomic Bomb in the Cold War, 1945-1950.
Princeton University Press.
Messer, R. L. (2017). The End of an Alliance: James F. Byrnes, Roosevelt, Truman, and the
Origins of the Cold War. UNC Press Books.
Prados, J. (2013). Of Spies and Stratagems. A Companion to World War II, Volume I & II, 482-
500.
Reed, B. C. (2014). The Manhattan Project. Physica Scripta, 89(10), 108003.
Selden, K. I., & Selden, M. (2015). The Atomic bomb: voices from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Routledge.
Walker, J. S. (2016). Prompt and utter destruction: Truman and the use of atomic bombs against
Japan. UNC Press Books.
Wilson, W. (2013). The Bomb Didn’t Beat Japan… Stalin Did. Foreign Policy.