Assessment Reasons to Drop the Atomic Bomb on Japan

Killing an estimated 150,000-280,000 Japanese people, the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is often remembered as one of the most inhumane acts in human history. The main reason for the dropping of the atomic bomb was to end the Second World War, however, the mass destruction and damage, caused by the atomic bomb, raises questions about whether it was dropped as a pure act of revenge. The “Reasons why the atomic bomb was necessary” essay seeks to define these reasons and whether they were at all. 

The survivors of the blast suffered both physically and psychologically, with PTSD and leukaemia rates soaring, with 46% of leukaemia patients being linked to the dropping of the bombs. Whilst the dropping of the atomic bomb ended the Pacific War, along with the Second World War, it caused tensions to reach breaking point between the USA and the USSR, marking the beginning of the Cold War. The USA knew it would cause tensions between nations, Harry Truman told Stalin that 'a new weapon of unusual destructive force' was ready to be dropped on Japan, however, he elected not to say that this was an atomic bomb. The symbol of destroying an entire city with one bomb was enough to cement the USA as one of the most powerful nations in the world. Whilst the USA wanted to demonstrate their power to the USSR, it could've been done in numerous other ways, showing that this was rather a secondary reason for dropping the atomic bomb. Undoubtedly the most significant factor for the dropping of the bombs was to end the Second World War. The invasion of Japan was planned, before knowledge of the atomic bomb was widespread, the invasion of Japan would've cost an estimated 267,000 American casualties alone, without factoring in the other potential attacks that would've taken place, therefore the brutality of the atomic bomb was necessary to shock the Japanese leaders into surrendering. These reasons can be condensed into these three main points: revenge for the horrific Japanese attacks on America, the US's desire to be the most powerful nation, and the most significant, ending The Second World War. These three factors led to the decision of dropping the atomic bombs on Japan.

Ending the Second World War was definitely the most significant factor for dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. Victory in Europe had been achieved by May 8th 1945, however, the war in the Pacific was still raging on, this had massive impacts on the USA socially. There are a lack of studies that show the mental effects sustained from combat, however, the true effects can be seen by the introduction of the 1946 Mental Health act. This act ordered mental health facilities to be expanded, which clearly shows that there was a rise in mental health issues caused by the Second World War. Not only was there an increase in the number of people affected by mental health issues, but there were also masses of casualties, with 101,000 in the Pacific war alone. These issues combined had a massive impact on the United States Socially, leaving children without their parents, and approximately five million war widows. The social effects of the war were clear, and the majority of the population was impacted by it in some way or another, the longer the war went on the larger these implications would be on society. The atomic bomb provided a way to end the Second World War quickly, which in turn would help to prevent mental health cases from rising further, along with saving countless American lives. Harry Truman himself claimed, “My objective is to save as many American lives as possible, but I also have a human feeling for the women and children of Japan”, in his diary, further showing his true intentions behind dropping the atomic bomb. Although Truman likely expected people to read his diary, as he was the President of the United States, it is still very likely that it represents his true thoughts and feelings. Diaries often contain very personal information and aren't usually used as a source for propaganda, it also shows he had a genuine concern for the people of Japan, and did not want to solely drop the bomb as an act of revenge. The massive social effects, the fact that Truman was still willing to drop the bomb despite the moral implications along with him stating that his true intention was to save American lives, shows that this was definitely the main reason for dropping the atomic bomb.

Putting an end to the war was the most important reason for dropping the atomic bomb, as established, however, if the atomic bomb was not dropped it is likely that many more soldiers and innocents would have died, due to the planned invasion of Japan. The planned Invasion of Japan, “Operation downfall”, would feature the USA invading the island of Kyushu, and using this as a naval base to invade mainland Japan. An invasion would likely lead to not only an extremely high amount of American casualties, but also Japanese, whilst at the same time having no guarantee of ending the war. The battle of Okinawa, the bloodiest battle in the pacific war, consisted of roughly 150,000 casualties alone, which almost tallies the amount killed in both the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. Okinawa wasn't part of mainland Japan, therefore an invasion of mainland Japan would likely lead to even fiercer resistance, with General Charles Willoughby estimating American casualties would be almost one million by Autumn 1946. General Charles Willoughby had served in the military since 1919, being promoted to Major General, therefore he had a vast amount of military knowledge. He even stated that this estimation was “conservative” therefore, the true amount of casualties could have been much higher, therefore, despite being an estimation, it is a very credible source. The Atomic bomb meant that Operation Downfall would not have to take place, whilst also preventing millions of casualties, many American soldiers supported the Atomic bomb being dropped, being described by soldiers, such as Bill Guarnere as, “the greatest thing that ever happened”. The atomic bomb meant that thousands of soldiers wouldn't have to risk their lives fighting in Operation Downfall, meaning many soldiers supported the dropping of the atomic bomb. 

Overll the Bomb was not seen as a weapon of destruction, but rather as a saviour for them, because it prevented them from risking their lives. The war needed to end at some point, invading Japan would lead to masses of American and Japanese casualties, without guaranteeing an end to the war, whereas dropping the atomic bomb, provided a solution to these problems, as American soldiers would not have to risk their lives, it was also much more likely to end the war. The number of American lives that would have been lost meant that saving American lives, by preventing Operation Downfall, was definitely the main reason for dropping the atomic bomb.