The Decision to Drop the Bomb
Harry Truman’s fateful decision to authorize the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
changed the world as we know it. The bombs not only ended WWII, but killed as many as 140,000 people in
Hiroshima and 80,000 in Nagasaki by the end of 1945, roughly half on the days of the bombings. In the years
that followed, thousands more died from injuries or illness attributed to exposure to radiation released by the
bombs. In both cities, the overwhelming majority of the dead were civilians. In addition to the massive human
loss, the destruction of infrastructure and economic repercussions cost billions.
The use of the bombs also launched the world into a nuclear age. The proliferation of nuclear weapons, fueled
by the Cold War arms race, has created a state of permanent armaments that pose the potential for global
catastrophe.
Argumentative Essay/Debate
In this assignment, you will need to take a position on the question: “Was President Truman justified in
dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?”
Steps: Each student will need to conduct the following steps…
 Step 1: Conduct Research
o Identify the factors that contributed to Truman’s decision to use the A-Bomb. Consider both
primary and secondary sources in conducting your research.
o Identify/list the main arguments in support and against the dropping of the atomic bomb.
o Investigate the impact/costs of the atomic bombs on Japanese civilians, economy, military, etc.?
o Be sure to use the “pathfinder” created by Mrs. Ramos to help in your research.
o Be sure to use appropriate sources. Here is a list of acceptable sources:
 Books, encyclopedias, articles from one of the CHS Media Center Databases
 Internet sites: .org; .gov; .edu (all other websites must be approved by me)
 Step 2:Complete an Annotated Bibliography for your sources
o You MUST analyze sources both in support and against the use of the atomic bombs on
Hiroshima and Nagasaki. (Minimum of 6 sources for annotated bib.)
o At the end of your Annotated Bib., complete an O,P,V,L for 1 source for & 1 source against.
 Step 3: Take a position and write a well-researched and defended argumentative essay supporting your
position. (due 4/30)
o Essay Requirments:
 Double Spaced; MLA format
 A minimum of 5 paragraphs (400-650 words)
 Must contain an introductory paragraph, with a clear thesis
 Your thesis must be supported with specific, research based arguments and statistics
 You should incorporate both primary and secondary sources (a minimum of 3 sources
should be used in your paper)
 You must provide a formal Works Cited/Annotated Bib at the end and use parenthetical
documentation throughout the essay. (You should cite at least 3 sources in your essay).
 Include your O,P,V,L at the end of the essay, after the annotated bib.
 Step 4: On the day of the Socratic Seminar, we will take at least 1 hour to debate the topic; every person
will need to participate a MINIMUM OF 2 TIMES during the debate! (Those who fail to do so will
score a 0/10 on the participation portion of the assignment. Therefore, you should have a list of bullet
points you’d like to bring up and discuss during the debate).
Critical Question:
 Was President Truman/U.S. justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
IB-Calendar Dates
 4/20: WWII-European Front
 4/22 WWII-European Front/Conferences
 4/24 WWII-Pacific Front
 4/28 WWII-Pacific Front
 4/30 Socratic Seminar Discussion
 5/4 Canada and WWII
 5/6 Impact of WWII/Review Session
 5/8 WWII Test
 5/12 WWII Documentary Work Day
 5/14 WWII Documentary Work Day
 5/18 WWII Documentaries Due
 5/20 Final Exam Essays
 5/27 IB End of Year: Multiple Choice Quest