Abstract (Summary)

There are many reasons why the United States of America decided to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. One of the main reasons why was because of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy."

In his powerpoint, Mr. Cullinan said, "The bloody invasions and massive loss of grand forces during the United States' strategy of island hopping lead to the decision to drop the atomic bomb. Those bloody invasions were the Battle of Guadalcanal, Battle of Iwo Jima, and Operation Iceberg. President Truman factored many things into deciding to use the atomic bomb. Those factors are:

1. A bomb had been tested at Trinity, first so he was aware of the damage it could do.
2. The United States of America had suffered over one million losses before the use of the bomb.
3. The bomb was initially dropped to strive fear into the Japanese and eventually force them to surrender.
4. The second bomb was dropped to make it seem like the USA had a huge arsenal of bombs to use.
5. Although only rumors there is proof that Truman used the bombs to scare the Soviet Union.

Therefore, the first atomic bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Three days later the second atomic bomb nicknamed "Fat Man" was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945." The United States was definitely justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki because of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and it ended the war. The dropping of the atomic bombs warned people and made a statement to not mess with the United States. Truman was trying to keep American citizens safe. After all isn't that what the president is supposed to do, keep the citizens safe?