Harry Truman Letter
1.) What is the purpose of this document?
2.) Why is the name of the city left out?
3.) Why did President Truman feel that the atomic bomb had to be used against enemy targets?
4.) According to President Truman, who was actually responsible for the use of the atomic bomb? Why does he say this?
5.) Truman advocates the use of atomic power for world peace. How does he propose to fulfill this goal?
Harper’s Magazine: The Decision To Use The Atomic Bomb
1.) How does the date when this document was written influence your interpretation of it?
2.) On what basis does Stimson justify the use of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
3.) Why do you think Japan’s wartime military leaders are referred to here as “terrorists”? Do you think this label is appropriate?
4.) Was Stimson for or against the use of the atomic bomb? Do you find the evidence that Stimson offers convincing?
5.) Why did Stimson think the use of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a terrible thing to do but better than any alternative?
Recommendation on The Immediate Use of Nuclear Weapons
1.) When was this document written?
2.) Was the scientists’ decision to use nuclear weapons unanimous?
3.) What is conclusion that the author came to in the 3rd point?
4.) Why did the scientists recommend the use of nuclear force?
Source: http://www2.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB162/19.pdf