Truman and the Atomic Bomb

A Little Background Context

Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, faced one of the most difficult decisions in history: whether to use the atomic bomb during World War II. When he took office in April 1945 after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the war in Europe was ending, but the Pacific War against Japan raged on. Truman had to decide how to bring the war to a swift and successful conclusion.

---

What Factors Influenced His Decision?

1. Ending the War Quickly

Truman and his advisors were eager to end the war as soon as possible. The fighting in the Pacific was brutal, and American casualties were mounting. The Japanese military showed fierce resistance and a willingness to fight to the death, as seen in battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa. An invasion of Japan was estimated to cause hundreds of thousands of American and Japanese casualties. Using the atomic bomb was seen as a way to force Japan to surrender quickly without a costly invasion.

2. Demonstrating Power

The atomic bomb was a new and incredibly powerful weapon. Its successful test in July 1945, known as the Trinity Test, showed that it could cause unprecedented destruction. By using the bomb, the United States could demonstrate its military might, not only to Japan but also to the rest of the world, particularly the Soviet Union. This was significant as tensions with the Soviet Union were already beginning to surface, marking the early stages of the Cold War.

3. Justifying the Cost

The Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb, was a massive and expensive undertaking. It cost about $2 billion (equivalent to over$28 billion today) and involved thousands of scientists and workers. There was pressure to justify this immense expenditure by using the bomb to help end the war.

4. Japanese Refusal to Surrender

Despite devastating bombings of Japanese cities and a naval blockade that cut off supplies, Japan had not surrendered. The Japanese government showed no signs of capitulating, adhering to their code of honour that discouraged surrender. The hope was that the shock and devastation of the atomic bomb would compel Japan to surrender unconditionally.

---

The Pros and Cons of the Atomic Bomb

Pros

Cons

1. Swift End to the War The most significant advantage of dropping the atomic bombs was that it brought a swift end to World War II. Hiroshima was bombed on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. Japan announced its surrender on August 15, 1945. The bombs likely prevented a prolonged conflict that would have resulted in many more deaths on both sides. 2. Saving Lives Although the bombs caused immense destruction and loss of life, some argue that they ultimately saved lives. An invasion of Japan would have been incredibly bloody. Estimates suggested that it could have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of American soldiers and millions of Japanese civilians and soldiers. By forcing a quick surrender, the bombs may have prevented even greater loss of life. 3. Geopolitical Impact The use of the atomic bomb also had a significant geopolitical impact. It showcased the United States' military superiority at the beginning of the Cold War. This display of power was intended to deter the Soviet Union and establish the US as a dominant global force, potentially preventing future conflicts.

1. Human Cost The immediate human cost of the atomic bombs was staggering. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were devastated, with approximately 140,000 people killed in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki by the end of 1945. Many of these were civilians, including women and children. The survivors, known as hibakusha, suffered from severe burns, radiation sickness, and long-term health effects, including cancer. 2. Moral and Ethical Concerns The use of such a destructive weapon raised significant moral and ethical questions. Critics argue that targeting civilian populations is never justified, regardless of the intended outcome. The sheer scale of destruction and suffering caused by the atomic bombs led many to question whether their use was a necessary or humane decision. 3. Long-Term Consequences The atomic bombings had long-term environmental and health consequences. The radiation released by the bombs contaminated the environment and caused lasting health problems for survivors. Additionally, the use of atomic bombs ushered in the nuclear age, leading to a global arms race and the development of even more powerful nuclear weapons. The fear and threat of nuclear war have been constant since then. 4. Alternatives to the Bomb Some historians argue that there were alternatives to using the atomic bomb that could have ended the war. These include continuing conventional bombings and naval blockades or modifying the terms of surrender to allow Japan to retain its emperor. There is also evidence that Japan was already considering surrender, and the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan on August 8, 1945, may have been enough to prompt surrender without the use of atomic bombs. *The alternatives argument is a common thesis used by LC History students that wish to argue against some of Truman's foreign policies. It does require a little nuance, but is can impress an examiner.

How did Truman's Decision affect the Relationship between US and USSR?

Demonstration of Power

The atomic bombings were not only intended to force Japan's surrender but also to demonstrate the United States' newfound military might. The successful deployment of such a destructive weapon showcased America's technological superiority. This display was particularly directed at the Soviet Union, signaling that the US possessed a powerful new tool that could potentially be used in future conflicts. Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, although outwardly dismissive, was acutely aware of the implications of this new weapon.

Soviet Reactions and Fears

The Soviet Union, which had been an ally of the United States during World War II, reacted with a mixture of caution and concern. Stalin was informed about the existence of the bomb only shortly before its use, and the actual deployment of the atomic bombs intensified his distrust of the United States. The Soviet Union perceived the use of the atomic bomb as a direct threat and an attempt by the US to establish dominance in the post-war world order.

Start of the Arms Race

In response to the American monopoly on nuclear weapons, the Soviet Union accelerated its own nuclear program. By 1949, the Soviets had successfully tested their first atomic bomb, marking the beginning of the nuclear arms race. This race for nuclear supremacy became a central feature of the Cold War, with both superpowers amassing vast arsenals of nuclear weapons, leading to a precarious balance of power known as mutually assured destruction (MAD).

Breakdown of Cooperation

The immediate post-war period saw increasing friction between the US and the USSR over the future of Europe and the spread of communism. The use of the atomic bomb exacerbated these tensions, contributing to a climate of suspicion and competition. The division of Germany, the Iron Curtain, and the opposing ideologies of capitalism and communism further deepened the rift.

Beginning of the Cold War

The atomic bombings are often seen as an early catalyst for the Cold War. They highlighted the ideological and strategic differences between the United States and the Soviet Union. The distrust sown by the bombings and the subsequent arms race set the stage for decades of geopolitical rivalry, proxy wars, and a persistent threat of nuclear conflict that defined the Cold War era.

---

Useful Quotes

Harry S. Truman on the decision to use the atomic bomb:

"I regarded the bomb as a military weapon and never had any doubt that it should be used." – Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman justifying the use of the bomb:

"The use of the atomic bomb, with its indiscriminate killing of women and children, revolts my soul. The only reason for my making it was that I thought our enemies were ready to do the same thing ten times over." – Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman on the aftermath of Hiroshima:

"We have used it in order to shorten the agony of war, in order to save the lives of thousands and thousands of young Americans." – Harry S. Truman

Historian David McCullough on Truman's decision:

"Truman said he made the decision because he felt it was his duty to end the war and save American lives. He did not agonize over it, but he was fully aware of the gravity of what he had done." – David McCullough

Truman's reflection on the responsibility of his decision:

"Let there be no mistake about it. I regarded the bomb as a military weapon, and never had any doubt that it should be used." – Harry S. Truman

---