Dropping the Atomic Bomb

Additionally, you are to read War in Pacific. It is .pdf file I've shared with you in your WWII file folder. After reading the three pages and studying the sources, answer the following questions and post them to your blog.

1. What factors have affected viewpoints on Truman's decision?
There are two main viewpoints on Truman's decision: the bombing was not justified, and the bombing was completely justified.
Those who believe that the bombing was not justified cite the thousands of Japanese deaths that occurred - not only from the bombs themselves, but also from the effects of radiation that occurred after the fact. They think that the war was already won; the bomb was not necessary for success. They also reason that the army was simply looking to test out its new "toy" and to scare the USSR.
Those who believe that the bomb was completely justified cite the fact that the bomb saved millions of U.S. lives, since a land invasion would have been extremely bloody. They also feel that Truman simply dropped the bomb to save U.S. lives - other allegations of ulterior motives are false.

2. Do you think he made the right decision? Give your reasons.
I believe that Truman made the wrong decision. Yes, the bomb may have saved millions of U.S. lives, but it murdered thousands of Japanese civilians in the process. One cannot condone the saving of lives that came from the deaths of others; it cancels itself out. Also, the bombing set a precedent. Because it worked so effectively, bombs quickly became the go-to solution in military situations. After WWII, bombs were major military tools - the consequences are overlooked, because the end result is so final and immediate.