6.+Research+Sites+Web+Quest

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** General Resources on the Bomb Decision **===== · Hiroshima: Who’s Who and What’d They Do  ·  [] An introduction to the key players in the decision to use the bomb. · “Pro/Con on Dropping of the Bomb” · [] This article by Bill Dietrich of the //Seattle Times// gives a good summary of the pro/con arguments to dropping the bomb: · “Bomb History Still Bears Bitterness” · [] This article in the //Seattle Times// gives an overview of different survivor, veteran, and scientific perspectives on the dropping of the atomic bomb. It is a good introduction to the controversy about the atomic bomb decision. · Atomic Bomb: Decision · [] //Atomic Bomb: Decision// has some of the best primary source documents on the decision to drop the bomb. It includes documents by scientists, military leaders, political advisors, a Soviet general, and President Truman. It was created to show how Manhattan Project physicist Leo Szilard attempted to stop the use of the atomic bomb against Japan. Other Manhattan Project physicists, however, supported the use of the bomb against Japan. =** Japanese Leaders and Survivors Resources **= · Japanese Minister of War Korechika Anami · [] General Anami favored Japan’s fighting to the end. · A-Bomb World War II Museum · [] This Web-based project has information about the effects of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and interviews with survivors. · Scientific Data of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Disaster · [] This site presents information on the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. · “My Experience of the Nagasaki Atomic Bombing and An Outline of the Damages Caused by the Explosion,” by Dr. Raisuke Shirabe · [] This Japanese doctor writes about his experience of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

Manhattan Project Scientific Perspectives
· The Franck Report, June 11, 1945 · [] This report urged that the bomb be demonstrated first on a desert island before its being used in combat. · Scientific Panel, June 16, 1945 · [] This panel found no alternative to using the bomb. · Szilard Petition, Final Version, July 17, 1945 · [] Physicist Leo Szilard created a petition to be given to President Truman urging that the atomic bomb not be used against Japan before Japan be given a chance to surrender. · J. Robert Oppenheimer · [] Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer chaired the scientific panel that supported the use of the atomic bomb. After the war, however, he had regrets about the use of the bomb. =** Advisors to President Truman **= · Secretary of War Henry Stimson’s Diaries · [] This site has Secretary of War Henry Stimson’s diary entries and papers. Stimson urged that Japan be given reassurance that they could keep their Emperor and surrender. But he was also a key supporter of the atomic bombing of Japan. · Secretary of State James F. Brynes · [] Perhaps Truman’s most influential advisor, Brynes wanted to end the war as quickly as possible to keep the Russians from invading Japan. He saw the atomic bomb as a tool the US could use in negotiations with the Russians. · President Truman’s Diary · [] President Truman ordered that the bomb be used on a purely military target, not against women and children. He worried about the moral and ethical implications of its use. · Bard Memorandum · [] Ralph Bard was Under Secretary of the Navy. He advocated warning Japan before using the bomb against them. · John J. McCloy · [] Assistant Secretary of War John J. McCloy felt that the Japanese would have surrendered without the use of the atomic bomb if the US had let them keep their emperor. =** Military Advisors **= · General George C. Marshall · [] General Marshall believed that the bomb should be used first against military then against manufacturing centers. · Admiral William Leahy · [] Admiral Leahy was chief of staff to Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. He felt Japan would have surrendered even without the dropping of the bomb.