America’s Decision To Drop The Atomic Bombs – Justifiable Or Not?

Hiroshima and Nagasaki – these are the two most well-known places during World War II. These places are known because of the introduction of the weapon that ended the war and changed the world. The Atomic Bomb. America had dropped the atomic bomb in both cities on August 6 and 9. Though there has been great controversy whether America had been justified in using the atomic bomb to end the war and whether there was a better alternative. 

I, personally, believe that the United States was justified in using the atomic bombs against Japan to bring the long-lasting World War II to a halt. 

During mid 1945, America was preparing for Operation Downfall, which was an allied plan to invade the Japanese Islands. As America was preparing, American code breakers decoded Japanese messages which changed their judgment of Japan. They found that Japan had secretly initiated a massive troop buildup in Kyushu. (The National WWII Museum). This resulted in Japan having more troops and soldiers than the Americans. Japan also had more aircraft, giving them air superiority. All this meant that Japan had the upper hand in all aspects and that Operation Downfall would result in failure with overwhelming American casualties. So, for America to match that and defeat Japan, they used the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb was able to cause substantial damage to Japan, destroying whole cities and military centers. Japan couldn’t cope with all the destruction and casualties which then led to Japan’s surrender and ultimately ended the war which everyone wanted. 

On June 16, 1945, a group of scientists working in the Manhattan Project submitted a report called the “Recommendations on the Immediate Use of Nuclear Arms” for the atomic bomb. In the report, the scientists state all the useful traits that the atomic bomb has and how it is beneficial to use during the war. For example, one statement in the report is “they range from the proposal of a purely technical demonstration to that of the military application best designed to induce surrender.” In this statement, the scientists are explaining how when used, the atomic bomb is the best military weapon to make a country surrender. The scientists also address “we can propose no technical demonstration likely to bring an end to the war; we see no acceptable alternative to direct military use.” In short, the scientists are stating that there is no better alternative to end the war through military use. This report served as an approval from top scientists for America to use the atomic bomb. America used the atomic bomb in the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The aftermath of the bombs had caused Japan to surrender, just as it was mentioned in the report, and showcased the atomic bomb's significance and importance to the war. 

During July 1945, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs sent a message to the Japanese Ambassador. The message was intercepted and decoded by the United States. In the message, the Japanese Minister states all the hardships and calamity that Japan and its Emperor are facing. How the Emperor is greatly concerned for the citizens. Though, he then proceeds to mention, “as long as America and England insist on unconditional surrender, our country has no alternative but to see it through in an all-out effort for the sake of survival and the honor of the homeland.” Looking at this message, we can draw out that Japan was not going to surrender even though it would mean that more and more casualties would occur, which the Emperor did not want. Thus, America using the atomic bomb was necessary because it created chaos and destruction, which shocked all of Japan and its Emperor. This shock and sense of fear led Japan and its Emperor to the conclusion that they should surrender and end the war, once and for all. 

Now, looking back at the evidence, some people will say that America had better, safer alternatives to end the war. Well, to that, I say this. America using the atomic bombs had been one of the best military performances in the world. This is due to the importance it had on stopping the massive buildup in Kyushu which could have killed more civilians than the atomic bomb, the effect it had on the surrender of Japan, and ultimately ending WW2. America was justified in using the Atomic Bomb.