why did Truman decide to use the atomic bomb against japan?do you think he did the right thing?

Answer 1

He wanted to test it out so scientists could discover first hand the destruction involved. He knew the war was basically over anyway and that is why he was in such a rush to drop both bombs.

Answer 2

the military arguement was that an invasion of Japan would have lead to too many American deaths because of the kamakazi suicide killer type mind set of the Japanese American military leaders felt that even though Japan had lost their part of the war already that the Japanese would be willing to continue fighitng beyond all reason. So, they had this new technology and felt it was a more effective way of dealing with an opponent with such a mid set.

Whether he made the right decision or not...that's hard to say. Many lives would have been lost either way, and he was just looking out for his countries citizens. I do know that people felt the effects of that bomb for the next 50 years, with not only death but mutilation and mutation by radiation.

It's had a profound effect on international relations even to this day. Many countries are very concerned with preventing any sort of bombing from happening like that again. Which is why it's such a big deal with Iran or anyone getting a bomb.

EDIT: I just wanted to add after reading all of the other posts that it amazes me how many people think this kind of behavior was okay and even called for. It's NOT democracy versus evil nazi dictatorships and communism. I think most people argue that you have to fight fire with fire....

I'm just...amazed. Is human life worth so little? Does it matter whether your Japanese, Chinese, Russian, English, or even Sadi?

Answer 3

the U.S., the US, and the united kingdom desperate at Yalta convention that the U.S. could participate interior the conflict against Japan ninety days after Germany surrendered, or on August 9. the US used the atomic bomb for example that the US, no longer the U.S., ended the conflict. the US additionally attempted to have the prevalence over the U.S. after the WWII. as a effect, the atomic bomb ought to have decreased the style of people who have been killed in the process the conflict, yet for my section, it can not be justified, using fact it did kill 250,000 harmless civilians.

Answer 4

He sort of didn't have a choice. The Japanese refused to surrender no matter what. Also they fought like crazy and when their soldiers were about to be defeated they would kill themselves. Also it was calculated that if the United States invades the Japanese mainland, the American casulties would reach well over 1 million. The only other option was to bomb them into submission. I remember hearing somewhere that he went to his grave believing that he made the right decision. The Japanese Government put their own citizens in danger by being so aggressive during the war and a lot of their people paid the ulitmate price

Answer 5

Yes, he did the right thing, sad news he only had two bombs. I wished he had had a dozen. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor they made their down payment on the bomb. When the killed all the POWs, and killed all the Innocent they got a PAID in full due bill. And the American President did not shrink from his duty as commander in chief. He sent the bomb to then, Payment in full for services rendered.

Answer 6

To save American lives. To invade Japan would have cost countless American lives and Japanese. Yes he did the right thing.

Answer 7

To save allied lives.
Yes.