The WWII Atomic Bomb, Essay Example

Introduction

In 1945, the war between the Axis and Allies was crossing over into its fourth year.  The level of conflict was not showing any sign of decline and the casualties were mounting on both sides of the conflict.  Not only were the lives lost increasing, the amounts were increasing at an exponential rate as the war progressed.  Over 80% of the casualties came from the last year of battle (Gordin 2007).  As the battle raged on, the allies were growing weary on the battlefield and at home.  The Japanese forces were tenacious in their ability to withstand attack after attack and their steadfastness was a contributing factor for President Truman in the decision to escalate the war efforts.  As a way to ease the decision made by President Truman, the Japanese military command was provided the opportunity to surrender unconditionally to the Allies or face total destruction.  While the Japanese were not aware of the implications and ability for the latter to occur they declined to opportunity to surrender.

There was a significant military factor to utilize the atomic bomb on Japan.  The war was dragging on with causalities mounting.  The Manhattan Project had used over $2 billion in secretly appropriated funds that needed a significant return on investment for not only the funds used but also the efforts of the U.S. government to keep the project under wraps from the rest of the world (James 2007).  There was also a significant tension between the Soviet Union and the United States that would later come to fruition possibly as a result of the use of the nuclear weapon.  The use of the atomic weapons over Japan was seen as either barbaric or strategically intuitive depending on which side of history the event is viewed.  For a simple answer to a complex question, the reason for dropping the atomic bomb on Japan was, to end the war.

References

Gordin, M., (2007).  Five days in august: how world war II became a nuclear war. Princeton University Press.

James, C., (2007).  House of war: The pentagon and the disastrous rise of American power. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Truman, H., (1955). Year of decisions. Garden City, NY. Doubleday.