As the U.S. enters into a new 'cold war' with Russia.

[the other mike]

It's important to revisit the real history of Truman's decision to use nuclear weapons on Japan. Because everything they've taught us in the school history books is speculation and propaganda at best.

The Myth of the Atomic Bomb

Several other alternatives to an invasion and the atomic bomb existed at the time. Three major options included: intensifying bombing efforts, waiting for the Soviet Union to enter the war and force a surrender, and mitigating the demand for unconditional surrender by allowing the emperor to remain in place.

All of the options presented issues of their own and put the question of American image at stake. Japan was heavily weakened from the attacks, and so the possibility that the war could have ended before an invasion or use of the bomb was a valid one. Additionally, even if the United States had invaded Japan, military advisors believe that number of deaths would be far below the one million predicted by Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson.

The decision to drop the bomb did not originate from the question to drop it or not, it was a multifaceted one. Dropping the bomb allowed Truman to achieve many goals at once. He was able to end the war as early as possible as American moral was low in addition to making diplomatic gains with other countries.

The need to justify the effort and money that went into making the bombs existed and he lacked overall incentive not to use it. These factors, coupled with overall hatred of the Japanese, influenced Truman's decision to use the bomb.

 

[the other mike]

After Effects
Truman encountered heavy backlash from the American people and countries all over the world. By dropping the "most terrible thing ever discovered," Truman changed the face of global security entirely. Many argue that Truman used the bomb as a means to achieve his short-term goal, but he neglected to see the bigger picture. His decision fundamentally altered the nature of warfare.

Throughout the 1960's, countries accumulated nuclear weapons themselves. The Soviet Union, most notably, rushed to build up their arms in order to inflict total retaliation if necessary. The fear associated with possessing the ability to completely wipe out a country crippled citizens and politicians throughout the Cold War. Despite understanding how powerful of an asset the bomb was, Truman's administration failed to recognize the ethical implications that accompanied the decision.

All posterity lives under the constant threat of nuclear warfare. As weapon design continues to develop and become more and more lethal, presidents must heavily consider the ethical implications to ensure the safety of the human species.

 

[Billy_Kinetta]

After Effects
Truman encountered heavy backlash from the American people

Eh?

 

[Bleipriester]

A show of force. The bombings of Tokyo were more deadly.

 

[Mikeoxenormous]

After Effects
Truman encountered heavy backlash from the American people

Eh?

I have the OP on ignore, but my question is "What about Putin and President Trump, with Russia Colluuuuussssiiiioooon?"

 

[the other mike]

I had cleared my ignore list but andaronjim
just got put there.

 

[Billy_Kinetta]

I never ignore anyone. Too much comedy to be had here.

 

[the other mike]

I never ignore anyone. Too much comedy to be had here.

I've seen a lot of close friends and family members who don't talk at all anymore, like on Facebook even... Americans are weak generally.