Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Why did firebombing not bring Japan to surrender?
The virtual destruction of the Japanese air force by the spring of 1945 meant that the cities of
Japan were left exposed to low-altitude bombing.
Japanese cities included some of the most densely populated urban areas on earth. Largely
made of wood, the buildings were easy to set ablaze. The closeness of the buildings meant
that the fires spread quickly and were difficult to put out.
The Allies thought that the massive civilian casualties that would result from firebombing cities
might have a more shattering impact on Japanese morale than the continued military
campaign against determined soldiers. Yet the Japanese government still did not surrender.
Examine these sources to find out more:
US survey of
damage of Tokyo,
1945
Photos of damage
of Tokyo, 1945
Allied study of
Japanese strategy,
May 1945
Map of Japan
showing bombing
damage
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 1
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 1
US survey of damage caused by firebombing of Tokyo in 1945
(Catalogue ref: AIR 48/15)
1a
1b
Questions
1. What factors made this firebombing raid on Tokyo so damaging?
2. What content of the source lets you know that this is an Allied document?
3. What is missing from an official document of this kind in terms of providing a full picture of
what happened in Tokyo during this event?
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 1
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 1a
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 2
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 1b
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 3
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 2
Photographs of damage caused by Allied bombing of Tokyo in 1945
(Catalogue ref: AIR 48/15))
2a
2b
Questions
1. What can you tell from this source about the bombing and its results?
2. These photos were part of the same survey as source 1. In what ways is a photo more
valuable to historians than written records?
3. What are the limitations of photographs as historical evidence?
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 1
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 2a
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 2
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 2b
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 3
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 3
Part of a study of Japanese strategy from Major General Penney, Director of
Intelligence, HQ of the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia, 18 May 1945
(Catalogue ref: WO 203/1274)
3a
3b
3c
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
According to this source, what are the Japanese doing to safeguard their industry?
What are the weaknesses of the Japanese Cabinet?
According to this source, what are the three options open to Japan?
Why are the Japanese not yet willing to accept unconditional surrender?
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 1
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 3a
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 2
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 3b
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 3
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 3c
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 4
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 4
Map of Japan showing bomb damage caused in the spring of 1945
Questions
1. Which Japanese cities suffered the most damage?
2. What extra information would you need before judging the results of the bombing
campaign?
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 1
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Truman & the atomic bomb > Firebombing
Source 4
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 2