What were the arguments for and against the use of the atomic bomb against Japan? How was the atomic bomb considered a different sort of weapon by U.S. officials and what kinds of considerations were made before it was first utilized in war? What alternatives to the atomic bomb were proposed for forcing the Japanese to surrender? Why did Truman ultimately decide to use the bomb and how did he rationalize this decision? What were the experiences of Hiroshima's citizens in the immediate aftermath of the bombing?  After considering both sides of the debate, do you think the US was justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Japan?

What were the arguments for and against the use of the atomic bomb against Japan? How was the atomic bomb considered a different sort of weapon by U.S. officials and what kinds of considerations were made before it was first utilized in war? What alternatives to the atomic bomb were proposed for forcing the Japanese to surrender? Why did Truman ultimately decide to use the bomb and how did he rationalize this decision? What were the experiences of Hiroshima's citizens in the immediate aftermath of the bombing?  After considering both sides of the debate, do you think the US was justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Japan?