Maryam Shafi - Document Set 1 - Dropping The Atomic Bomb

AP American History Exam Essay Prompt

• Topic: Evaluation of the U.S. decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima as a diplomatic measure against the Soviet Union, rather than a military one aimed at forcing Japan’s surrender.

• Instructions: Construct a coherent essay integrating interpretation of documents A-H and knowledge from 1939 to 1947.

• Objective: Support assertions with evidence from the documents and historical context.

Document Summaries

Document A: Memoirs of Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson (1947)

• Key Points:

  • Objective was Japan's prompt and complete surrender to ensure lasting peace.

  • Estimated Japanese military strength at approximately 5 million personnel spread across various regions.

  • Anticipated massive casualties and prolonged conflict convinced the U.S. to pursue the atomic bomb.

Document B: Memoirs of General H. H. Arnold (1949)

• Key Points:

  • Emphasizes extensive bombing campaigns prior to atomic bomb drops.

  • Claims Japan was on the verge of collapse even without atomic intervention due to destruction by conventional bombing and blockades.

Document C: Recollections of Dwight D. Eisenhower (1948)

• Key Points:

  • Suggested against Soviet involvement in the war, fearing post-war complications.

  • Acknowledged Japan's imminent defeat and implied potential benefits from not allowing a Soviet foothold in Japan post-war.

Document D: Agreements from the Yalta Conference (February 11, 1945)

• Key Points:

  • Agreement among Great Powers for the Soviet Union to enter the war against Japan after Germany's defeat.

  • Soviet claims on territories and involvement in post-war arrangements highlighted strategic interests in East Asia.

Document E: Winston Churchill’s Recollections during the Potsdam Conference (1953)

• Key Points:

  • Describes the atomic bomb as a game-changer, eliminating the need for Soviet military support.

  • Expressed optimism for a quick resolution to the war in the Pacific with the bomb's introduction.

Document F: Leo Szilard's Recollection of Meeting (1949)

• Key Points:

  • Noted that military necessity was not a primary argument for using the bomb; political motivations regarding Soviet influence were emphasized.

  • Criticized the idea that possessing the bomb would make Soviet cooperation manageable.

Document G: Scientific Panel Report (June 16, 1945)

• Key Points:

  • Varied opinions on bomb use: technical demonstration vs immediate military action.

  • Concerns about future diplomacy if the bomb was utilized against Japan.

Document H: Truman’s Radio Address (August 1945)

• Key Points:

  • Justification for bomb use based on the threat posed by Japan and to prevent greater loss of American lives.

  • Stressed that use of the bomb was to ensure Japan's power to wage war was destroyed completely.

Conclusion

• The decision to use atomic bombs on Japan was multifaceted, involving military strategy, the desire to end the war swiftly, and broader geopolitical concerns regarding the Soviet Union.

• Evaluating the documents reveals a blend of military necessity and strategic intimidation in the U.S.'s decision-making process.