Exploring American Histories: Printed Page 755
Interpret the Evidence
Why do the scientists in favor of using the bomb believe it should be used against Japan (Document 23.6)?
What arguments do the scientists who oppose dropping the atomic bomb on Japan put forward (Document 23.7)? Under what conditions do they believe the use of the bomb would be justified?
How do both groups of scientists place the use of the bomb within the context of postwar international relations?
According to the strategic bombing survey, what factors delayed Japan’s acceptance of unconditional surrender (Document 23.10)?
How does what you see in the photograph of the day after the bombing of Hiroshima (Document 23.9) compare with the eyewitness account in Document 23.11? Which do you find more powerful and why?
Put It in Context
What do you think was the primary reason the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Japan?
After reading these documents, do you think the United States should have sought a different way to end the war? Why or why not?