Answer:
- The scientists in favor of using the bomb believe it should be used against Japan because they argue that Japan is a ruthless aggressor, the use of the bomb will end the war quickly, and it will save American lives.
- The scientists who oppose dropping the atomic bomb on Japan argue that it is unnecessary and morally wrong to use such a destructive weapon against civilians. They believe that Japan was already on the verge of surrender, and the use of the bomb was not needed to end the war. They argue that the use of the bomb would only be justified if it was used as a last resort to avoid a greater loss of life.
- Both groups of scientists place the use of the bomb within the context of postwar international relations by considering the implications of using such a destructive weapon in terms of the precedent it sets for future conflicts and the potential consequences for relations between nations.
- Truman gives several reasons for dropping the bomb, including the need to end the war quickly and save American lives, the belief that Japan would not surrender otherwise, and the desire to demonstrate American military superiority to the Soviet Union.
- According to the strategic bombing survey, factors that delayed Japan's acceptance of unconditional surrender include the military's unwillingness to surrender without certain conditions, such as retaining the emperor's position, and the belief that the Soviet Union might mediate a peace agreement with more favorable terms.
- The photograph of the day after the bombing of Hiroshima shows a scene of widespread destruction and devastation, while the eyewitness account in Document 23.11 provides a more detailed description of the suffering and pain of the survivors. Both are powerful in their own ways, but the eyewitness account provides a more personal and emotional perspective on the human toll of the bombing.
- The primary reason the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Japan was to end the war quickly and save American lives.
After reading these documents, it is a matter of personal opinion whether the United States should have sought a different way to end the war. Some may argue that the use of the bomb was necessary to end the war quickly and avoid a greater loss of life, while others may argue that it was morally wrong to use such a destructive weapon against civilians. Ultimately, it is important to consider the historical context and the available information at the time in making such a judgment.