The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb

President Truman’s decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan was and continues to spark emotional debate. There is no question that Truman believed he was doing what was best for the American people, whether it be saving American lives or intimidating Russia to hopefully spur possible future conflicts. But was it necessary or right? With hindsight people can say that it was not necessary and unrightfully killed thousands of innocent Japanese. I believe this is true but also think that at the time this was the simplest, most benefiting solution in Truman’s mind. In the short term it ended the war and kept Russia on its heels, but in the long term it created a nuclear arms race and ensured many lives to be lost in future wars. This is why I believe that Truman’s decision was the easiest one at the time, but he had no idea of its possible consequences