Would Americans be as afraid of nukes if the U.S. DIDN'T kill 100,000 japanese with the atomic bomb?

Question

Isn't it true that the U.S. is the only country in human history to actually use a nuclear class weapon against civilian population?? Isn't it also true we have the largest nuke stockpile in the world? Isn't it true that Iraq did not provoke our invasion? That being said isn't it only logical that Iran is legitimately threatened by the U.S. and in the presence of iminent threat it is just and moral for a soveriegn country to arm itself in an effort to protect itself and it's citizens from possible invasion?

You all proved my point. You rationalized use of a WMD on a civilian population. ie killing hundreds of thousands saved countless millions. Is there any reason why Saddam couldnt use this rationale in his use of WMDs? Using chem weapons may have averted a long and costly civil war. Why is it that when America uses WMDs its ok but when someone else does they are evil? Do you not see the hypocrisy of your own statements?

Answer 1

There were more civilians killed during WWII from carpet bombing and incendiary attacks against German and Japanese cities than were killed from the two nukes. Countries that attempt to humanize war will most likely be defeated. That to me is the lesson of Dresden, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

BTW, the indiscriminate bombing of civilians didn't become a war crime under the Geneva Convention until 1949 when the uproar over Dresden and the nuclear attacks added that tactic to the Geneva Accords.

While we did lose the moral high ground by dropping the nukes, considering we were at total war and retaliating against evilness, does not come close to making your argument morally right. If Iran had not made provacative statements about wiping Israel off the face of the map, then maybe i could agree with your logic.

Answer 2

Yep, we're the only country that has dropped The Bomb on another country. Saved a pisspot full of lives in the process, too.

I'm not sure about the nuke stockpiles....Russia might have us beat, but I'm not sure they can find them all to count them.

I can see where you're going (the big bad USA is threatening poor little Iraq, so they just HAD to get some kind of weapon to defend their poor little country with), but your basic premise is incorrect.

Saddam had already caused one war with Iran, then invaded Kuwait. Even BEFORE that, he was dabbling in WMD's (mainly chemical weapons). With just those facts, you can deduce that Saddam was the threat, not the USA.

In the 50+ years we've had a nuclear arsenal, the ONLY time we used them was to end a war.

Answer 3

First thought - ignore the insipid, ignorant comments which try to castigate you as a "stupid liberal", or those who try to demonize certain peoples or nations in a simplistic manner. They've demonstrated their ignorance with their remarks.

Whether "Americans are afraid of nukes" vs. the issue of the US dropping the atomic bomb on Japan are two separate issues that have nothing really to do with each other - especially considering that many Americans have little knowledge of their own history, let along other cultures or countries.

The decision to drop the A-bomb on Japan was made with the reasoning that the Japanese would fanatically resist to the death, an invasion of the home islands. Estimates of 1 million casulties to be incurred by the US forces and 3 times that by the Japanese were made. Also, the Japanese made little or no hints that they would come to terms with ending the war - for a major reason - the cabinet balance of power was tilted towards the military, and the Army Minister, Anami, was a die-hard bitter ender who vehemently refused to surrender, vowing to fight to the death. Therefore the government, even those civilians who urged a conciliatory move, couldn't respond accordingly.

Even after the bombs were dropped, and the decision was made by the Emperor to capitulate, it was a touch and go situation in Tokyo --- there was a coup attempt by some hot-headed young army officers to assasinate some high officials and generals, which fizzed out when the top military refused to back it. Also, the recording of the Emperor's broadcast radio message had to be hidden and the messengers had to surreptiously courier it out to the broadcasting stations.

Now to talk about Iraq. IMO Saddam wasn't trying to attack the US. He may be ruthless, but he's not crazy. His first priority is to stay in power, and he had a lot of enemies at home (thanks to his brutality) and at his borders --- all of the countries neighboring Iraq are not friendly, and some are pretty hostile (Iran - with whom Iraq fought a bloody war for 8 years). A lot of his big talk about WMDs was a bluff - to impress his foes at home and abroad - to deter them from attacking him. Attacking Iraq and forcing a political change (and a political vacuum in its current state of unrest) complicates the regional security issue, in particular, with neighboring Iran.

Taking out Iraq in some ways benefits Iran, because the US has now gotten rid of a dangerous foe-Saddam and a thorn in their border security. It also allows Iran to bear more influence on Iraq, given that Iraq has a Shiite majority, same as Iran, but over the long run, Iraq would not be a Iranian satellite state - Iraqi nationalism is probably stronger than religious similarities - plus Iran is culturally different than Iraq---they're Persian, not Arab (unlike Iraq).

At the same time, US troops in neighboring Iran gives Teheran a lot of headaches - given the recent history of suspicions between the US and Iran, hence they do feel threatened. It doesn't help that you've got two leaders (Bush and Ahmounajed) who regard each other with suspicion.

This is not that I favor Iran developing nukes - it's never a really good thing for nuclear proliferation. But it's of interest to all in the region to find a way to cool down the tension, and that is with talks, rather than sabre-rattling and talking of war.

Answer 4

Well, we had few choices at the time.

Not only had we just played a major role in liberating an entire contenent, we were fighting the Japanese alone. You need to get a sense how brainwashed and dedicated to the fight the Japanese were. Try picking up a history book someday. Estimates are that dropping the 2 atomic bombs saved upwards of 1 million American lives.

Answer 5

actual, a enormous military became into already in place, waiting to invade the jap mainland, if that very subject arose. Had the jap refused to offer up after the 2d bomb, some a hundred and forty,000 US Marines have been waiting on an island some miles away, waiting to invade. Projected casualties have been astronomical, in the loads of hundreds, that's why the bombs have been used in the 1st place. Technically, the dying toll of the bombs became into under the projected casualties for in basic terms the marines, not counting the even bigger costs for the jap.

Answer 6

What is your point.... Seriously. Get a history book on the Japanese during world war II. Maybe then you will fully understand the rationale of using the atomic bomb.
I don't think that you are comparing these two wars fairly and your ignorance shows.

Answer 7

Take off the dunce cap.
The bomb ended WW2 which took over 30 million lives. Our stockpile was from keeping up with communist Soviets during the cold war. Iran freely and openly wants the destruction of Israel, and will not warn of an attack using a nuke, while the US will use one as a last resort.
Of course logic and common sense seem to elude you. Come back when you are educated beyond grade 2.
YOU DONT KNOW THE SAVAGERY AND FANATIC OF THE JAPS. THEY ARE WORSE THAN ISLAM TWERRYWESTS.

Answer 8

Oh so we are are the enemy now, let me tell you something, you haven't a clue on world history only your rantings. There was a reason for using the bomb on Japan but obviously that has escaped you. And yes we do have the largest stockpile you mean to tell me that in your failure to do research that you didn't get the reason why, have you ever heard of the Soviet Union, and Iran threatened please there government is a bunch of nuts that we would have put in jail for insanity.

Answer 9

I hope the first missile Iran launches hits your house first. Learn your history. The nuke was dropped in response to a cowardly attack on Pearl Harbor, in which thousands of Americans died.

Answer 10

We killed 100,000 of the nice folks who were willing to act as human guidance systems for suicide planes and boats?