The decision to drop the bomb

Pros and cons

Why America was justified in using the bomb

• The atomic bomb was the fastest way to end the war

• Using bomb saved many americans lives• Japan seemed to continue to fight, had already

refuse to surrender (Potsdam Declaration)• The target were cities of military importance• A lasting war would have been devastating also

for the Japanese• USA wanted to end war before the Soviet Union

could have big part in it

Using the bomb was Unnecessary and immoral

• Enormously devastating: 242,000 people died• Japan was already defeated• No other strategy tried • Japan was trying to negotiate, had asked Russia

to mediate• Allies asked for unconditional surrender, but then

accepted some conditions• No warning given • Target very populated• Bomb started the arms race with the Soviet union

VJ Day

• Stands for Victory over Japan Day• On August 15th, 1945 roughly nine days after the

bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s surrender and agreement to the Potsdam Declaration

• Important day because it marks the official end of WWII

• However on September 2nd, 1945, Japan signed the official treaty thus ending the war

Aftermath & Consequences

• Over 140,000 people were killed by the atomic bomb

• Of the survivor many suffered severe burns and radiation

• Also years after the bomb many people suffering from secondary effects died roughly 200,000 by 1950