The Atomic Bomb Part of Chapter 17, Section 4

Topic: The Atomic Bomb Objective: Students will be able to examine the reasons for dropping the atomic bomb, its aftermath and create arguments supporting or opposing the drop HW: Finish open response

The Atomic Bomb The Manhattan Project: US secret atomic bomb project Los Alamos, New Mexico

Warning… Bomb tested July 16, 1945 Potsdam Declaration: US asked Japan to surrender July 26, 1945  “threatening prompt and utter destruction” 63 million leaflets dropped on Japanese cities warning of attacks (not atomic)

The Enola Gay drops the bomb on Hiroshima Aug. 6, nd bomb dropped on Nagasaki Aug. 9, 1945 Officially surrendered Sept. 2, 1945

Initially killed over 100,000 people –Vaporized people –Melted stones –Ignited almost everything

Atomic Bomb Short Answer Was the United States justified in using the atomic bomb? –Use the NY Times UpFront article “Should the U.S. Have Dropped the Atom Bomb?” as an example and to gather evidence. (An essay supporting and opposing the dropping of the bomb to use as evidence) –Be sure to establish a clear claim supported by 2 arguments (evidence and analysis)

Wrap Up Should any country have this much power? What impact could this type of weaponry have in warfare?

President Truman’s words After the Hiroshima bombing, Truman issued a statement announcing the use of the new weapon. He stated, "We may be grateful to Providence that the German atomic bomb project had failed, and that the United States and its allies had spent two billion dollars on the greatest scientific gamble in history— and won.” Truman then warned Japan: “If they do not now accept our terms, they may expect a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this earth. Behind this air attack will follow sea and land forces in such numbers and power as they have not yet seen and with the fighting skill of which they are already well aware.”