The Atom Bomb

The textbook describes the atomic bomb as "one of the most terrifying results of the new relationship between science and political power" (973). Not only were the full consequences of the bomb unknown, but the real consequences of the bomb (such as the 60% obliteration of the population of Hiroshima (971)) are unimaginable. In President Truman's memoirs, he takes full responsibility for the dropping of the atomic bomb and acknowledges the positive response to the idea of the atomic bomb from scientific advisers as well as Churchill himself (who evidently told Truman "unhesitatingly told me that he favored the use of the atomic bomb if it might aid to the end of the war" (973)).

Since Truman seemed so convinced that not only was the atomic bomb the right way to end WWII but also that his advisers and allies were in agreement with his use of the atomic bomb, I was surprised to read "A Petition to the President of the United States" (on page 972) which was written to President Truman from the scientists who were designing the atomic bomb. This petition essentially says that the use of the atomic bomb in that stage of the war was unnecessary, for the bomb was only constructed due to the "fear that the United States might be attacked by atomic bombs". However, with that threat no longer in existence, the scientists seemed convinced (convinced enough to write a petition to the President to not use the atomic bomb) that the atomic bomb should not be used. 

This makes me wonder whether the atom bomb was used out of necessity or out of the desire to prove the strength and power of the United States. Japan was already weakened, the atomic bomb was not the necessary end to the war, yet the US proceeded to completely obliterate the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Prior to reading the petition by the scientists, I'll admit that I was proud of the US use of the atom bomb, for, while I knew that it was morally wrong, it was such an act of power that I couldn't help but feel pride in the US ability to construct and then use such a weapon. However, I think that this pride was pretty blind. As Danielle said, in her post "Division and Destruction", the atom bomb killed innocent people in seconds--not giving them the chance to escape. The petition by the scientists who constructed the atom bomb really but the immensity of the bomb into perspective for me. They really only created such a weapon to be used in US defense--they had anticipated a similar German attack. They had not meant for the bomb to be used as it was. Was the use of the atomic bomb fair?