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Ryan Heap
CHY4C1-01
Vander-Heyden, Sandi
19 January 2024

The 1945 Atomic Bomb: A Justified Controversy

The signature mushroom cloud materializing over Hiroshima on the sixth of August,

1945 is an iconic image of a moment in history as well as being a stark reminder of the

enormous ethical questions which posit themselves on either side of atomic weaponry. The

bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the waning days of World War II continue being

under an intense debate as time goes by. This essay will explore the multi-faceted reasons

justifying the 1945 atomic bomb considering military necessity, ethical considerations,

alternative options, long-term consequences, and historical context that shaped this

controversial decision.

Military Necessity & Ethical Consideration

This one major reason that justified advance 1945 atomic bombings was based on

military necessity.The supporters argued that it became necessary to avert a protracted

ground assault against Japan through deployment of atomic bombs, establishing

shockingly high casualty figures for the military and civilian population. The

estimated casualty projections furthered the belief that the bombings could as well

fasten Japan's surrender and avoid loss of lives on either side. However, as soon as the

bombings happened, many ethical dilemmas arose and among them were moral
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concerns that targeted civilian populations and doctrine of proportionality among

other issues. The critics had claimed that the bombings would breach the principle of

distinction between the combatants and noncombatants causing great moral questions

as for the grounds that such extreme measures can be deployed. The necessity, which

drove the war while military in nature, brought in the need for scrutiny since issues of

ethics concerning loss of civilian lives and violation of principles already set forth had

echoed the need. War has created a contention between the perceived necessity and

that of the ethics that drew complex grounds for the debate

. Alternative Options & Psychological Impact

A scrutiny of the alternative options brings forth a critical view about justification to the

atomic bombings.Proposals like naval blockade or giving show of strength of atomic

bomb on an unpopulated zone were thought but rejected. This therefore begs the

question as to whether these alternatives would have been feasible and could have

abated such drastic consequences in terms of civilian lives and in respect of

longitudinal repercussions from nuclear weapons. Another aspect in the justification

debate is the psychological impact of the bombings on Japan 's leadership and civilian

population. In this regard, the proponents argue that despite their human dignity

contentions, the psychological shock was inevitable towards bringing a quick end to

the war and to cease further loss of lives. Another level to the argument is evaluation

of the ethical considerations of this psychological strategy. Another dimension is other

options and weight coupled with a psychological impact. Were there other viable ways

with which to deliver the same end without utter destruction as seen? The

psychological strategy in adherence to ethical standards or fueling the moral

complexities for the bombings?

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Historical Context & Long-Term Consequences

The implications erupted from the 1945 atomic bombings had far-reaching and

long-standing effects, from sparking the nuclear arms race between the United States and

the Soviet Union to adding to heightened tensions of the Cold War. Critics claimed the

use of atomic bombs was setting a dangerous precedent for future use of nuclear

weapons and were also helping in maintaining the very threat of nuclear proliferation that

he hoped to eliminate. In evaluating the justifiability of the bombings, one should keep in

mind the intricate moral and historical circumstances that surrounded them.

The pressures that they were under combined with the strong wish to end the war shaped

their decision to use the atomic bombs and changed the shape of international relations

thereafter.

This unfolding gives depth in revealing long-term consequences and historical context.

To what extent had the events of 1945 soberly marked global politics to establish a

precedent in the use of nuclear weapons? Understanding what transpired in history gives

light on the decision-making process and the factors that led to the imperial power to

invoke atomic bombs. In sum, the mushroom cloud which has marked the atomic

bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki symbolizes a complicated and contentious chapter

in history.

Although military necessity formed the basis of the justification, care must be exercised

with regard to ethical issues, alternative options, long-term effects, and the historical

point of view. The objective of the conclusion of the conflict must be weighed against the
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broader clues and consequences of bombings on humanity. While the world deals with

the consequences from 1945, carried within nations are ethical obligations to control

such destructive power that remains an astute assertion within the dispute.

Works Cited

Herken, Gregg. “The Winning Weapon: The Atomic Bomb in the Cold War, 1945-1950.” The

SHAFR Guide Online, 2 Oct. 2017, https://doi.org/10.1163/2468-1733_shafr_sim140110014.

Nishiyama, Hiroshi, et al. “The Incidence of Malignant Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma in

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivors, 1945–1965.” Cancer, vol. 32, no. 6, Dec.

1973, pp. 1301–09. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(197312)32:6.

Smyth, H. D. Atomic Energy for Military Purposes; the Official Report on the Development

of the Atomic Bomb Under the Auspices of the United States Government, 1940-1945. 2010,

ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA41056826.
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Harrison, Henrietta. “Popular Responses to the Atomic Bomb in China 1945-1955.” Past &

Present, vol. 218, no. suppl 8, Jan. 2013, pp. 98–116. https://doi.org/10.1093/pastj/gts036.

Reflection: My proposed mark for this essay is 75% because I want to pass this course while also trying my best to expand my
knowledge about history.