As Japan’s allies, Germany and Italy fell, Japan was not far behind. The first reason is because of their navy and aircraft. They were low on the amount of planes and ships, and they could barely control the skies and the seas. Resources like food were being exhausted and being taken away from civilians in order to use it all on the war. In addition, the US military just regularly bombed Japan’s cities and many were already destroyed. Japan was being blockaded by the US navy, and Soviets attacked Japanese troops in Manchuria. It seemed hopeless for the Japanese and it was obvious that sooner or later, the Japanese would have to surrender.
Even though the Japanese would have quit sooner or later and their military was exhausted, both atomic bombs were dropped at civilian centers with no military purpose. In the Hiroshima bombing, around 70,000 civilians died from the explosion, and 70,000 later from the effects of radiation. This could be seen as a war crime or act of terrorism since innocents were targeted in an effort to end the war. The reasoning behind the bombing was that it would be used to show power and end the war quickly, but all it did was harm innocent men, women, and children. None were spared from this inhumane and immoral act.
In addition to being particularly devastating, the atomic bombs were dropped by the Enola Gay with little warning. The Japanese would have probably no idea how devastating the bomb would be when it was dropped. If they were given a demonstration, they would be intimidated into surrendering. Nagasaki was bombed only three days after Hiroshima was. This bomb was definitely unnecessary, as the bomb on Hiroshima caused enough casualties. These three days did not give enough time to Japan to surrender as well.
Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was an ill one, as it was an act of terrorism and an act against humanity.
