Most of you did a good job of locating good information about the Manhattan Project and commenting on Truman's decision. Some of you were a little confused on the timeline of events. Japan and America were not in direct conflict until the attack on the military base at Pearl Harbor. Although there is some debate as to whether anybody knew of the attack before it hit, it is widely accpeted that those on the base were taken completely by surprise. Further, the American public was shocked and outraged by the attack.
Locate some good information about the attack on Pearl Harbor and on the reaction by regular American citizens. Do you think that public opinion regarding Japan played any role in the decision Truman made to attack Japan with atomic bombs a few years later? Would you change your opinion of Truman's decision now that you know more about the attack on Pearl Harbor?
47 comments:
I believe that after reading the information on Pearl Harbor, I still believe that Truman should not have bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I think that he let anger about the pearl harbor attack fuel his decision, which is usually not a good thing. Do not harbor hate for your enemies. Such thoughts are useless, and will cloud your judgement-Al Mualim 1191
-Vaughan 5
I do Think that the public opinionregarding Japan played a decicion to drop atomic bombs a few years later.
And no, I would not have changed my decicion on what Truman did.
Yes I think that the public opinion of Japan at the time played a very important role in the decision to bomb the Japanese Cities by Truman. I think that I would keep my decision that we should not have used the atomic bombs harming people that did no harm to us.
I only reaserched for a few minutes but what I found was surpirising. The attack only lasted two hours and two minutes.But in that time 2403 people died, 188 planes and 8 battleships were destroyed. I do not think that public opinon had anything to do with Truman's stupid decision to set an atomic bomb to the Japanesse. They might have hit us first but two wrongs don't make a right. You would think that if you were good enough to be president you would know that. I would not change my opinon on Truman's decision because like I said two wrongs don't make a right.
Eden Period 2
Yes truman made the right choice.
No i wouldent change my disecion because what japan did was wrong.
period 5 mckenzie slater
I think that even though the public may have been mad and said a few things that they did not necessarily mean, Truman did not need to bomb Japan. It was the wrong thing to do, even if the Japaneese started it. Everyone says that two wrongs don't make a right, so if some man who we thought capable of being president does not know that then what kind of country are we? I hope not one that goes around bombing places. Even though thats what it seems like right now. Many people died because their government decided to bomb us. The people who died did not need to die. I bet that when you think about the atomic bomb you don't think about the many many innocent people, kids, and babies who died. I bet that you just think about a big mushroom cloud then the thought leaves your mind. As you can probably tell I did not change my opinon about Truman's bad and stupid decision to bomb the Japaneese with an atomic bomb that affected more than just Japan. I hope that somthing like this NEVER happens again.
Eden Period 2
Not really, when you fight fire with fire it only seems to get worse. Sure I understand that we would want revenge on Japan, but us attacking Japan makes us really no better than them. Winnning the war was only a gift, but every gift comes with a price.We are both to blam for the death of thousands.
grace period2
Many of the people thought there was people alive in the ships. his decision was not a good disision.
broc peiod 5
Johnny Zhang
The information I found in the histoy book was that the Japan attacked Pearl Harbor because it was the only deffence that Japan had to get through in order to capter russia to get the oil fields without amercans interfering. The attack on Pearl Harbor almost killed more people in the world trade center on 9/11 so I think that truman made the right choice later on in world war 2.
No I would not of becuase the Jappanese attacked a military base and we attack a civilian city. The Jappanese did kill civilians but that is what happens in war people die. Im not saying its right to kill civilans but the Jappanese attack a military base and we killed thousands of civilian lives. The bombing would of had the same affect if we bomb a Jappanese Base.
will 1
I still wouldn`t want him to drop the bombs on Japan. Even though they were his enemies thousands and thousands of people died from his one little decision he made. He probably got a punishment from dropping bombs on Japan. But if ha made the right decision then he probably wouldn`t of had that punishment. That`s why I think Truman made a bad decision.
Jennifer Snyder Period 1
The Attack on Pearl Harbor Ended American Efforts or Avoid War. Important changes took place in US politics and life in the years leading up to World War Two. The attack forced Americans to fight in World War Two. More importantly, it made them recognize their position as one of the leading and powerful nations of the world.
I think that the public opinion regarding Japan played a role in the decision Truman made to attack Japan with the atomic bombs a few years later had changed. I think that America liked Japan less than they did the few years before.
Emily Murphy
Period 1
I researched the attack on Pearl Harbor and found some information about the reaction of the citizens of America. I found that the citizens were astonished and disbelieving, these emotions soon shifting to a flourishing rage. I read that there were more than 2,400 deaths of "American Servicemen" as well as more or less than 68 deaths of citizens. I read as well that the U.S. was caught by surprise and were unprepared when attacked. In addition, I found that the Japanese later or before the attack on Pearl Harbor had attacked other countries and had made several victories.
When Harry Truman made the decision to attack Japan with atomic bombs, I think that he took into consideration the pillage of Pearl Harbor and the collective reaction of the public. Resulting in the attack were many casualties and the loss of territory. I would not change my opinion about Truman's decision to bomb the Japanese. Because the Japanese had made an attack on the U.S. does not mean that bombing Japan would make the wrong any more justified. The bombing destroyed the lives of citizens, like the attack on Pearl Harbor did, but I think that the intention of Truman's to bomb the cities specifically where the citizens were was of ill-nature.
Kate, Period Two
i dont think truman made the right decision instead of droping a bomb on japan he could of work it out but if japan did not croperate then he should of did what he did.
lucas busse period 3
After I read some information about the attack on Pearl Harbor, I believe that the public opinion regarding Japan didn't have any effect on Truman's decision. Japan attempted to take over the Pacific by killing anyone who got in their way, and therefore bombed Hawaii. Japan gave a "sneak attack" on Pearl Harbor and wouldn't stop fighting us in war until they got what they wanted. I still keep my opinion about how Truman did make the right decision because he did lead to Japan surrendering and ending the war.
Elizabeth, period 2
part 2
One of the repercussions of the attack- the retaliation- was to place Japanese Americans into internment camps. Why? People on the street could have taken action against them- as the enemy. Also because the reputation of being "sneaky" led to a feeling of distrust of any Japanese.
When I went to Pearl Harbor, there were many WWII veterans crying and upset even almost 70 years later. It was very emotional to see pictures of so many young men who you read had died in the attack. Seeing the oil still dripping from the destroyer- and thinking of the men trapped in there- tapping, hoping for help to get out, only to die in the ship- is just a very emotional experience. There were also Japanese people there, throwing leis into the water. Perhaps their way of an apology. It made me better understand some of the emotions during the war.
When we were fighting the Japanese, no matter how many battles we won, they would never give up. Death was more honorable than defeat. Moreover, the Japanese were not only sneaky, they were savage in the horrific torture and killing of captured soldiers. The Japanese invasion of China lead to them killing more than 100,000 civilians, in very horrific manners.
People today really don't fully understand the horrors of war and what our soldiers went through. Even shows that try to portray events realistically are seen more as entertainment. To be in constant fear- the Japanese just running up to you as they didn't care if they died-and just not being able to understand that as Americans valued their lives. To be a kid and seeing your friends die around you. And to not know when it would end.... if it could end you would want it to.
The bombing was not an immediate retaliation. Rather, it was done to put an end to the war, once and for all. The war had dragged on for years. Many soldiers had died. The American people were tiring of the war, and money and military supplies etc were running low. Just like Sept 11, people were not caring as much about the attack on Pearl Harbor- it was old news. Our government was trying all sorts of ways to raise more money through war bonds. The American people wanted it over, and wanted a victory (which we do in every war.) We gave the Japanese an ultimatum by the Potsdam Declaration- unconditionally surrender or we would crush them. They did not give up. On August 6, 1945 we dropped the first bomb on Hiroshima. They did not give up. Three days later, we dropped the bomb on Nagasaki. It was six more days until they finally gave up.
From this is it clear, that absent the bomb, the war would have continued for years and many more lives would have been lost due to the fanatical resistance of the Japanese. One could equally blame Nagasaki's bombing on Japan as they knew it was coming and didn't surrender. It is very likely that if the war had continued those cities would have been firebombed anyway.
The horror of the bombs and the affects thereafter (which may not have been known at the time) have prevented future use of such to date.
This was not a case of two wrongs- we were attacked. We were brought into the war. That was wrong. This was a way to end the war. It needed to be over- and the plan worked. Like wrestling, get the pin- if you toy with them and go for points you could always end up losing.
I used a bunch of sources- but there was no request to list them.
Jacob R. Per 2
The American public was incited to action after Pearl Harbor. The sneak attack caused more Americans to enlist in the war effort and to financially support the war. "Remember Pearl Harbor" was a battle cry. Americans wanted to crush the Japanese for what they had done. However, Truman was Vice-president at the time of the attack. He had no say as to what to do. Did Pearl Harbor lead to the atomic bombing? Of course-- we were not at war with Japan UNTIL they attacked us at Pearl Harbor. In fact their declaration of war was not received until AFTER the attack.
This is Part One- it wasn't accepted as it was too long. Part two to follow
Jacob R. Per 2
Best wishes to Dr. Russo who is going to the war in Afghanistan
I think Truman should probably have not of bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, maybe at least not the atomic bombs, maybe just a couple hundred bombs. Also I think that the public did play a role in the decision on the bombing. I also think that I still have the opinion to still bomb Japan but not with the atomic bomb.
Due to the attack on Pearl Harbor I now look back on the idea Truman made during the Manhatten Project I dont really think that Truman idea was that great a plan anyway. Even though Japan attacked Pearl Harbor the casualties lost werent nearly enough as to those of the two cities. I think the Manhatten Project is like setting off two nukes over a little bombing... oh wait.
Alex D p2
The attack on Pearl Harbor (or Hawaii Operation, Operation Z, as it was called by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters, and Battle of Pearl Harbor by some Americans)was an unannounced military strike conducted by the Japanese navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the morning of December 7, 1941. It resulted in the United States' entry into World War II. The attack was intended as a preventive action in order to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from influencing the war that the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast Asia, against Britain and the Netherlands, as well as the U.S. in the Philippines. The attack consisted of two aerial attack waves totaling 353 aircraft, launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers. Four U.S. Navy battleships were sunk (two of which were raised and returned to service later in the war) and all of the four other battleships present were damaged. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship and one minelayer. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed, 2,402 personnel were killed and 1,282 were wounded. The power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not attacked. Japanese losses were light, with 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 65 servicemen killed or wounded. One Japanese sailor was captured.
Katie Kleban
Period 2
I don't think I will change my opinion now that I know more about the attack on Pearl Harbor because even then, we started all of the fighting and it may not seem like it but the bombing of Pearl Harbor was an act of defense that was too aggresive. I think that we would not have to face problems such as this in the first place if we weren't so involved in foreign affairs when they don't relate to us. America as a country tends to get into wars and disputes that we wouldn't have to if we stayed to ourselves more. This is just my own opinion though and I am aware that many people feel differently.
Sophie
period 3
I don't think that the public changed the decision to drop the bomb on Japan. I would not change my choice and still think that we should not have dropped it because most of the people we inured or killed weren't soldiers, they were just normal people who were innocent.
(:Alexandra Williams:)
per. 5
Sarah- Period 3
From the information that I found, Japan was mostly thinking about itself when they attacked Pearl Harbor. They wanted to win a war against Southeast Asia, and by attacking Pearl Harbor, they could establish military power. I think that their reasons for attacking the U.S. were foolish and selfish. They were only thinking about themselves when they attacked the U.S. Most people were very upset with the Pearl Harbor attack, as it was unexpected, killed around 2402 people, and around 1282 were wounded. The public were upset about this uncivil act. They had a right to be! Two days later, the U.S. announced that they would begin World War II.
During my research, I found a picture of Pearl Harbor Aftermath. After looking at it, I better understand the damage that was done.
Before, I was rather undecided about whether or not Truman was right or wrong to attack Japan. After researching about Pearl Harbor, I have a better idea and have my facts straightened out. What Truman did was right. Japan was wrong to attack us, and they needed to understand what the U.S. felt. The Pearl Harbor attack killed many innocent civilians. Many brave people were killed instantly. I think that, on average, public opinion made Truman make his decision.
Yes, I do think that the public opinion regarding Japan played a big role in the decision Truman made to attack Japan with atomic bombs.
Truman probably knew the public's disgust and shock towards Japan would seem to justify the Manhattan Project. However, I do not think 'two wrongs make a right'.
I saw a color image on the internet of Trinity (the first test of technology for an atomic bomb). Even though it was just a test and not fired on anyone, it was a horrible image. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Trinity_shot_color.jpg)
It showed this huge red spot on a black background. That was mostly what it was, but it channeled this vivid image of thousands of thousands of people dieing just because of the graphic red spot, and suddenly I feel so furious and indignant towards Truman. How dare he give his consent to the firing of a bomb on thousands of innocent people! Those people consisted of uninvolved, naive children and babies. He had no right to give his acquiescence on the matter. The idea should not have ever even crossed his mind. What the Japanese decided to do at Pearl Harbor was disappointing and infuriating, but that did not legitimize Truman's decision. I think Truman acted more upon prejudice against the Japanese because of Pearl Harbor than of anything else.
Who cared if it was a more speedy way to end the war! I would much rather have had that war go on indefinitely than what really happened. It was inhuman, sanguinary, and in my opinion pointless.
Claire2nd
I still think he did the right thing because it was the only thing left to do. This is of course if America went to war with Japan which would have killed even more people. The atomic bomb sent a message that Japan can not come to America and destroy our ships and kill around (approximatly) 2400 people without us fighting back. The Americans were angry so they probably did fuel the descion for the atomic bomb.
Aisling 5
To me it would seem to make more sence from the attack on Pearl Harbor if the Trumens desician came before. Also I think that the Trumens decisian was somewhat of a genicide but it had a cause, but it still didn't even out the odds enough to the mass killings of the civilians aswell. After reading more about the cause of why the attack was put down on us, I realized that it was supposed to prevent the U.S Pacific Naval fleet in the world war. Trumen was sick to beleive that it would really solve a lot for our country by dropping bombs on specific cities. The number of deaths to Japanese civilians was pretty overwhelming and beleive it was a cruel action for him to make.
Ian
Period 2
I still agree that Truman made the right choice dropping the bomb for the following reasons: 1. Japan attacked on the U.S.A first which killed a lot of lives. By doing this it made us go to war aginst Japan. 2. Japan refused to surrender even thow they were losing and it was going to cost many American lives to invade Japan. 3. Only after the bomb's were droped that Japan surrenderd. If we had not done this they would not have surrenderd.4. The Jappanese were considerd to be not as worthy as American lives. (Even though thats not nice). 5. Also Truman wanted to prove to the world especially the Soviets that we had the Atomic Bomb.
Bella period 5
p.s. Pearl Harber is a good movie. But also really sad.
I still beleive that dropping the bombs were the right thing. Because Truman had to show everyone around the world not only japan that we were not scared to drop them on anyone. he also had to do it to show the americans that it hurt us they did that and now it's pay back.
Jack D p2
After doing reaserching the attack on Pearl Harbor I still don't change my opinion about Trumans plan to drop the two atom bombs. I also think that if Japan did not attack pearl harbor then america would not have droped the bombs killing thousands of inosent people but done something different to end the war in the west.
Jimmy Period 3
I think that after looking and reading at all the information on there, I think that truman should not have bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki and that he over reacted too much over the atack on the Pearl Harbor fuel decision, because he diagreed with it. He made a huge argument over a litte thing. If I would have had to make a desision like that I would have took it more seriously and not over react as much.
Krista Period 1
I do still think that Truman made the write choice because with the attacks on Pearl Harbor were at the Exact minute and direction that planes were going to arrive from California for training people at Pearl Harbor. Isn't that Ironic, we were supposed to get reinforcments and instead we had our largest island base completely destroyed. Also when the U.S.S. Arizona exploded that was one of the United States largest warships. One choice that I don't think was write was that he forced every Japanese-American into a tiny town in Arizona. the public was completely outraged on both accounts because we did not like what they were doing so we cut there oil. Then they bombed our base. On the other hand, lets say that you were related to a Japanese-American and you are not allowed to see them for the end of the war. I however do not think that was what convinced Truman to drop bombes on Honshu and Hakaido because of the year difference. I get my information from the Pearl Harbor Archives, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
-AndrewBurnham-
I think that the public opinon reguarding Japan did play a big role on Truman's decision. although his choice effected everybody else i can see why he made his choice. By dropping the bombs, he forced us to fight in World WarII which made the conflict even worse. Truman made the choice to make them surender when really in a senses he made them stronger.
♦ Jordian Period 1 ♦
Renee - Period 3
I think the public opinion regarding Japan did play a role in the decision Truman made to attack Japan with the atomic bomb a few years later. Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, there was a debate amongst the American public whether to get involved in the war or not to since the United States had not been directly attacked. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American public was outraged and very unified in the decision to get involved in the war. I think Truman never would have dropped the atomic bomb if the American public opinion had not been so against Japan. I would not change my opinion, not to drop the bomb, on Truman's decision now that I know more about the attack on Pearl Harbor. As I said before, the bomb killed many people and did so for years because of nuclear fallout. Even though it ended the war with Japan and people were happy for that, it caused mass destruction and deaths to not only the Japanese but to American soldiers, also.
I got my information from http://www.answers.com/topic/attack-on-pearl-harbor.
I think that Americans were shocked by the Japanese attacking Pearl Harbor. I think that this played a role in the decision a few years later that Truman made to attack the Japanese. After the attack on Pearl Harbor the Americans did not like the Japanese at all. They associated them with attack in Pearl Harbor. I think that Truman made his decision remembering the attack on Pearl Harbor and the reaction of his fellow Americans. Therefore I think the attack on Pearl Harbor did play a role in the American decision a few years later to attack Japan.
After reading the infromation on Pearl Harbor, I think Truman should have not bomed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was angery about he Pearl Harbor attack and it tempered with his disision. Which is not a good thing.
Alyssa
period 3
Johnny 5
After researching the attack of Pearl Harbor it seemed that the American public really hated Japan. I think the hatred of Japan partially impacted Truman's decision. President Truman also wanted to end the war after 4 long years of American deaths and injuries. I'm not really sure if we would have bombed Japan if Pearl Harbor didn't happen. As awful as it was to drop atomic bombs, it may have saved lives on both sides because if we didn't who knows when the war would have ended? It is very possible that hundreds of thousands of more people would have died if the war didn't end when it did.
I still belive that we did a bad thing to Japan and everyone there. We almost seem that all we care about is our country, but we don't we help all cuntrys that are in trouble like Haiti.I think that now Janpan will always hold a huge gruge on the U.S.A. When really we could have pervented this.
Sarah.H.5
Pearl Harbor was the site of a surprise attack on the United States, by Japanese. It also amazingly sent the United States into World War II. I think that Truman made a bad decision because I would not like him to drop bombs onto Japan. Lots, and ton's of people died and even though he had hated them he still made a poor decision. I can’t believe he had killed that many people!
Katie F. Per 5
I think that the public's idea of Japan influenced Truman greatly when he made the decision to attack Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As president, I think one would be pressured to make decisions that would be popular with the public. I also think that his personal opinion slightly clouded his decision. He would probably be extremely furious at the Japanese for bombing Pearl Harbor when we were not in the war. 2,404 Americans died and only one Japanese soldier was captured. This greatly impacted the Americans who were trying to stay out of the second world war, thinking that the first one was bad enough and not wanting to go through another one.
However, my opinion remains the same as before i researched Pearl Harbor. I don't think that Truman made the right decision. In just Hiroshima, 90,000 to 166,000 people died. In Nagasaki about 60,00 to 80,00 people died. However, in both the cities, only about half the people died on the first day of the bombing. People later died from burns and other injuries, or the even more painful radiation caused cancer. People would die years after the bomb due to radiation sickness. I think the atomic bombs were definitely worse than Pearl Harbor.
Becca 5
After reading some information on the attack of Pearl Harbor i think that the public opinion did play a role in Truman decision a few years later. I still think that Truman should not have bombed Japan. Even though the Pearl Harbor attack was brutal and very unexpected it was not right for Truman and the americans to bomb them.
Grant 5
I dont think that i would change my decision any more the japans desvered what they got and thats their fault. They came into our country and killed many people as in peral harbor so my decision reamins the same.
Tom period 1
I think he made a good choice. He saved millions of lives ( says cerf ). The Japanese werent too happy.
Jere .5
I researched for a while and figured out that the attack on Pearl Harbor or Hawaii Operation, Operation Z, as the Japanese called it. What happened was the Japanese made a sneak attack on the US Naval Base, Pearl Harbor. Six aircraft carriers set out to make the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the battle 188 US aircraft were destroyed. 1282 people were wounded and 2402 were killed. Yes I think that the public opinion played a huge role in the decision Truman made. The americans were outraged at Japan for making the attack on Pearl Harbor. I think that I would not change my opinion of his decision. Because I already knew a lot about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Max Ofer period 3.
After reading more about Pearl Harbor I still think Truman's attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki should not of happened! I don't think the public's opions played a roll on Truman's decision, but if it did that is not right! In Science class we were learning about DIRTY JOBS (while Mrs. Parr was not in school). The Dirty Job in the artical was about a place along the Columbia River that is being clean up! The reason it is being clean up is because of the Radio Active material from the Atomic Bomb. This place was were the where part of the bomb was built. So there are still problems that we are faceing beacuse of it, and the material will not be compleaty gone unitll almost 2020! And if we don't clean it up, the river will be pollited really badly. And there is NO WAY to get rid of it, it has to be buried!
CHRISTINA 5
The public opinion's with the race of Japan played in the role with the decision's Truman made with attacking them with many bombs. That is not cool nor is it right!
Paige 5
I don't think that it was the right thing to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki because none of those people should have died.
Jolie 5
Public opinion of Japan after Pearl Harbor plummeted, but I stand by what I said. Truman should not have killed those hundreds of thousands or millions of people. Treat people as you would like to be treated. Love your enemies as you love yourself.
Robert 5
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