Atomic Bomb DBQ Questions
Read the following documents and answer the comprehension questions. Each document addresses either arguments
for, or arguments against the use of the atomic bomb. The corresponding documents are available on Mrs. Weber’s
website under the title, “Atomic Bomb DBQ Documents.”
Document 1
1. How does the image portray the Japanese soldier and military?
2. How would propaganda like this and American memory of the Pearl Harbor bombings and the march to Bataan
have influenced American citizens’ views on the use of the atomic bomb?
Document 2
1. According to Stimson, what were General Marshall’s reasons for using the atomic bomb?
2. In what ways did he think the use of the atomic bomb would be more “humane”?
Document 3
1. What difficulties did Compton and the other scientists believe they had in developing an alternative to the use
of the atomic bomb?
Document 4
1. According to the document, Eisenhower knows Japan’s ability to win the war is over, so why would he
encourage the President to use the atomic bomb?
2. Why would Eisenhower want to keep the “Red’s” (the Soviet Union) out of the war in the Pacific?
Document 5
1. What factors did Szilard say motivated U.S. use of the atomic bomb?
2. Why do you think Szilard felt these motives were “immoral and disastrous?” If it helps, give an example of why
this might be immoral.
Document 6
1. How did President Truman justify the use of the atomic bomb?
Document 7
1. According to President Truman, for what reason(s) was the atomic bomb used on Japan? Identify at least 3
reasons he used to support his decision.
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Document 8
1. For what reasons do these critics of President Truman’s decision oppose the use of the atomic bomb? Identify at
least 3 pieces of evidence that they use to support their opposition. (Opposition means disagreement.)
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2.
If these men are correct, and the use of the bomb was not a military necessity, why do you think President
Truman ordered the use of atomic bombs against Japan? What could be other reasons, based on the
documents you have read?
Document 9
1. According to the report, how could the atomic bomb influence international relations (the U.S.’s relationships
with other countries) after the war? Explain your answer.
2. Do you think it is right that some countries are allowed to have atomic/nuclear weapons, while others are not?
Would you feel differently if you lived in one of the countries that was not allowed to have nuclear bombs?
Explain your answer.
Document 10
1. Why according to this U.S. infantryman was the use of the atomic bomb justified?
Document 11
1. Why according to McNamara, was the use of the bomb not a military necessity? What evidence does he site to
support that idea?
2. How does McNamara seem to feel about his actions and involvement in the U.S. military during WWII and the
use of the atomic bomb? What point is he trying to make regarding U.S. military policy in his last sentence?
Document 12
1. What reasons does Stimson use to support the atomic bombing of Japan?
2. What evidence does he give to support the idea that they bombings saved lives?
Document 13
1. Does Colonel Tibbets appear to have any remorse for dropping “Little Boy” on Hiroshima? Cite evidence to
support your answer.
2. For what reasons does Colonel Tibbet’s support President Truman’s decision to use the atomic bomb?
3. Obviously, Tibbets was supportive of the use of the atomic bomb, but how could his statement be used by those
opposed to the use of the atomic bomb.