August 6, 1945 “Atom Bomb Blasts Japan!!”

Today’s Lesson Objectives:

1. Identify key events of WWII that led to the bombings of Japan in 1945

1. Be able to discuss the pros and cons of the decision by Pres. Harry Truman to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.

To get there, we have to start here… • In 1932, two men were

elected leaders of their country by their citizens.

• Both would share the same 2 goals:– Bring economic

prosperity

– Make their country powerful…

» But at what cost??

The Balance of Power Begins to Shift…

Hitler Found Countries that agreed with him…

WWII Begins

Dec. 7, 1941A Day That Will Live In Infamy

• Prior to attack on Pearl Harbor– FDR rebuilt American

economy with New Deal

– Was making money by selling goods to Europe• “cash and carry” policies

• Pittman Bill– USA sold weapons to

free countries still fighting

1939-1945Cost of World War II in Europe

• 61,000,000 deaths (approx.)– 23,500,000 = military deaths– 37,500,000 = civilian deaths

• April 12, 1945– FDR dies

– Harry Truman takes office as President of United States

• April 30, 1945 – Hitler kills himself

• May 8, 1945– Victory in Europe Day

• War ends in Europe, but Japan fights on!!!

Pres. Truman has 2 choices…Continue the fight in Japan?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y0gdFisD9k

Or Use the new American weapon…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB-atl3YBSQ

What does Pres. Truman decide to do?

• August 6, 1945 – US drops bomb on Hiroshima, Japan

• 166,000 killed including citizens

• August 9, 1945– US drops bomb on Nagasaki, Japan

• 80,000 killed including citizens

• September 2, 1945– Japan surrenders to Allied Forces

• WWII is finally over.

If you were President, would you have done the same?

• Yes or no?

• Why?

Your assignment

1. Break into groups of 2-3.

2. Finish Part I of handout together.

3. Then fill out the chart on your handout in Part II describing the pros and cons of Pres. Truman’s decision.

4. Finish assignment for homework including the analytical writing assignment.