The Atomic Bomb
A. Developing the Bomb
B. Truman’s Decision
C. The Right Decision?
A. Developing the Bomb• In 1939 Albert Einstein informed FDR that the
Germans were working on a new type of bomb
Question A
Read and discuss question A with your partner
• Development of this new bomb became known as the Manhattan Project
• Over 100,000 Americans secretly worked to develop the bomb
• $2 billion spent to develop the bomb
• July 16, 1945: successful testing of the new weapon in Alamogordo, New Mexico
B. Truman’s Decision• FDR dies April 1945 & Harry Truman becomes
president
Question B
Read and discuss question B with your partner
• Truman decided to drop 2 atomic bombs on Japan– To save American lives – To end the war quickly
Hiroshima
• August 6, 1945 “Little Boy” dropped on Hiroshima
Nagasaki• August 9, 1945 “Fat Man” dropped on Nagasaki
C. The Right Decision?
• Japan surrendered on August 14, 1945– VJ Day
• Radiation poisoning discovered after the bombing
• Over 225,000 people died as a result of the bombings by the end of 1945
Question C
Read and discuss question C with your partner