Essay Networks

“The use of the atomic bomb, with its indiscriminate killing of women and children, revolts my soul,” President Herbert Hoover. On August 6th and 9th of 1945 U.S. bombers dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing utter destruction and many deaths. The dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 was meant to show the powerful new weapon to the entire world. The United States wanted to be recognized as the most powerful nation, and winning the atomic race was a big step in that direction. In Hiroshima it killed 100,000 people, most non-military civilians. Three days later in Nagasaki it killed roughly 50,000. These bombs were dropped as the Pacific battles of World War II were coming to an end. Soon after, Japan surrendered, ending the war. But, was the use of the second atomic bomb necessary? Was it too harsh and cruel to the Japanese? The first question was whether or not to drop a bomb. The effects of atomic warfare had not been known and studied, but it was apparent that it would be a good tool in ending the war. The first bomb did appear necessary to ending the war. It would put Japan in check to bring a quick finish to the fighting, saving many lives, as well as prevent the Russians from joining the Pacific War. The second on Nagasaki, however, was obviously not. It was handled foolishly, in that the Japanese were not allowed enough time to surrender and it seemed like a big sick experiment. The United States of America was justified in dropping the atomic bomb on the island of Hiroshima, but not justified in doing the same to Nagasaki.

Based on a detailed investigation of all the facts and supported by the testimony of the surviving Japanese leaders involved, it is the opinion that certainly prior to December 31, 1945, and in all probability prior to November 1, 1945, Japan would have surrendered even if the atomic bombs had not been dropped, even if Russia had not entered the war, and even if no invasion had been planned or contemplated. But could American leaders have known this in August 1945? The answer is, clearly, yes. The Japanese code had been broken, and Japan’s messages were being intercepted. It was known the Japanese had instructed their ambassador in Moscow to work on peace negotiations with the Allies. Japanese leaders had begun talking of surrender a year before this, and the Emperor himself had begun to suggest, in June 1945, that alternatives to fighting to the end be considered. Even though it was justified to use atomic power to put an end to the war, the second bomb on Nagasaki was unnecessary. It came only three days after the first bomb hit Hiroshima. This was not enough time for the Japanese to consider and sign surrender. Another city was destroyed for no reason. Old documents state that Japan was ready to surrender.

Why was there no demonstration explosion in an uninhabited area to convince the Japanese of the awesome power of the bomb? Why was it necessary to bomb two cities? The time factor the bombing of Nagasaki was obviously wrong because it seemed like the U.S. military was just experimenting. It seemed as if the US wanted to see which bomb was more powerful and did so by taking advantage of the situation. The bombing of Nagasaki did not play an important role in the end of the war as the first bomb and therefore was unnecessary.

The US did not want the Soviet Union to be involved in the anticipated ‘last push’ land invasion of Northern China, since this would put it in a good position to exert influence in the area once hostilities ceased. The US therefore attempted to end the fighting before the Red Army entered Chinese territory but did not accept Japanese moves to surrender, leaving President Truman confident about finishing the war in the Far East with as little help from Russia as possible. The Soviet Union was due to enter the war in that week and the US wanted to demonstrate to the Soviets the awesome power that they would be dealing with once the war was over. This in itself is unjust. Killing off hundreds of people to prove how powerful we are?

The dropping of the bomb was the first major operation of the cold diplomatic war with Russia. The bombing of Nagasaki caused utter destruction and many deaths for no reason. Japan would have surrendered even if the atomic bombs had not been dropped. The time factor the bombing of Nagasaki was obviously wrong because it seemed like the US military was just experimenting. The US was most anxious to get the Japanese affair over with before the Russians got in. “The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants,” General Omar Bradley.