The decision to drop the bomb

1. The decision to drop the bomb Pros and cons

2. Why America was justified in using the bomb • The atomic bomb was the fastest way to end the war • Using bomb saved many americans lives • Japan seemed to continue to fight, had already refuse to surrender (Potsdam Declaration) • The target were cities of military importance • A lasting war would have been devastating also for the Japanese • USA wanted to end war before the Soviet Union could have big part in it

3. Using the bomb was Unnecessary and immoral • Enormously devastating: 242,000 people died • Japan was already defeated • No other strategy tried • Japan was trying to negotiate, had asked Russia to mediate • Allies asked for unconditional surrender, but then accepted some conditions • No warning given • Target very populated • Bomb started the arms race with the Soviet union

4. VJ Day • Stands for Victory over Japan Day • On August 15th, 1945 roughly nine days after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s surrender and agreement to the Potsdam Declaration • Important day because it marks the official end of WWII • However on September 2nd, 1945, Japan signed the official treaty thus ending the war

5. Aftermath & Consequences • Over 140,000 people were killed by the atomic bomb • Of the survivor many suffered severe burns and radiation • Also years after the bomb many people suffering from secondary effects died roughly 200,000 by 1950