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Background to the Bomb

Explore the political, military, economic, and social climates of the USSR, USA, and Japan in 1945 to understand the backdrop influencing the decision to drop the Atomic Bomb in WWII.

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Background to the Bomb

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  1. Background to the Bomb Aim: To understand the situation of the main powers affected by the decision to drop the Atomic Bomb in 1945.

  2. USSR – Political situation • The USSR was a communist country • It was a one party dictatorship • The leader of the USSR was Joseph Stalin • Despite the struggle of World War Two the regime was secure, especially after victory in Europe

  3. USSR – Military situation • The USSR had helped UK and USA beat Germany in Europe and now occupied most of Eastern Europe • The USSR was eager to ‘help’ in the East – they had promised to join the war within three months of defeating Germany

  4. USSR – Economic & Social • It was becoming an economic superpower • The rights of the individual were less important than the good of society • Nearly a quarter of Soviet property was destroyed during the war • Food was strictly rationed

  5. USA – Political situation • The USA was a democracy • It was a capitalist country • For Americans being free of government control was more important than everyone being equal • They believed other countries should be run the American way • They were anti-communist

  6. USA – Military situation • America turned the tide on Japan with naval victories in the Coral Sea (May 1942) and Midway (June 1942) • They followed a policy of island hopping • American industry was turning out a huge amount of military equipment – ‘the arsenal of democracy’

  7. USA – Economic & Social • America was the world’s wealthiest country • There were extremes – great wealth and great poverty at the same time • Capitalism meant business and property were privately owned • ‘Social’ problems were forgotten during the war • Unemployment disappeared and wages doubled

  8. Japan – Political situation • Japan was ruled by an Emperor • Most power was held by the military – with generals leading the government • By the middle of 1944 many leaders, including the Emperor, thought Japan was going to lose • The Japanese people remained loyal throughout the war

  9. Japan – Military situation • Following Pearl Harbor Japan conquered a great deal of land in Asia • By May 1942 they had overrun Burma, Malaya, Dutch East Indies, Singapore and the Philippines • They were making progress towards Australia • As the war turned against them used weapons such as Kamikaze (divine wind) pilots • By 1945 there were 5.5 million men in the army

  10. Japan – Economic & Social • Their new territory gave them access to vital raw materials • By 1945 Allied air raids were devastating Japanese cities and their industries • Attacks on Japanese cities led to shortages • The people were still prepared to die for their emperor

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