To describe different viewpoints on the Atomic bombTo categorise arguments into points for and against the bombTo judge whether America was justified in dropping the Atomic Bomb

Should America have dropped the Atomic Bomb?

What can you learn about the affect the Atomic Bomb had on Hiroshima from the photograph?

The charred remains of a corpse after the Nagasaki bomb.

The outline of a human and a ladder burnt onto a wooden building after the Hiroshima bomb.

Clothing that has been burnt onto the skin of a survivor of the atomic bomb.

“ A demonstration in an uninhabited area was not regarded as likely to make Japan surrender. There was the danger of the test being a dud. Also we had no bombs to waste.” – Henry Stimson 1946.

“The bomb had been developed at a cost of $2 billion. It would have been difficult to justify not using it after such a vast financial investment” – General Groves

Example Sources

You are going to analyse a set of sources about the atomic bomb.

For each source that you use:

I) Write down what source it is.II) Describe what it tells you about the atomic bomb.III) Explain whether you think the America was justified in dropping the bomb.

Source Analysis

Key Question- Was America justified in dropping the Atomic Bomb?

An option- Another option- A third option-

Pros- Cons- Pros- Cons- Pros- Cons-

Decision –

1. How did you decide on an initial solution/answer?

2. What assumptions did you make to start with?

3. What factors were important in helping you decide on your initial solution/answer?

4. What factors were most important in deciding on your decisions?

5. Did you change your point of view? Why did you change your point of view?

Reflection on your dilemma

Now write a reflection on your decision.

Explain your decision and the main reasons behind it.

Was America justified in dropping the atomic bomb?

Introduction: Briefly describe the background to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Body (Part 1): Explain the viewpoints that suggest America was right to drop the atomic bomb and the most convincing reasons for this viewpoint.

Body (Part 2): Explain the viewpoints that suggest America was wrong to drop the atomic bomb and the most convincing reasons for this viewpoint.

Body (Part 3): Explain the other options available to end the war and the pros and cons of these options.

Conclusion: Decide whether you think America was justified in dropping the atomic bomb and explain the your reasons why.