Many historians have argued that the atomic bombing of Japan at the end of World War II was necessary and justified. There have been several key reasons developed to support this position, such as:
It led to a quick end to World War II.
It saved the lives of American soldiers.
It potentially saved the lives of Japanese soldiers and civilians.
It forced Japan to surrender, which it appeared unwilling to do.
It was revenge for Japan’s attack at Pearl Harbor.
It matched the brutality that Japan used during the war.
Japan was warned about the potential of the atomic bombs.
The program to create the bombs was too expensive for them not to be used.
Bombs are a natural part of war.
It was necessary as a display for the emerging Cold War.
Source: History Crunch
Many historians have argued that the atomic bombing of Japan at the end of World War II was not necessary and unjustified. There have been several key reasons developed to support this position, such as:
It was inhumane.
It caused too much destruction.
It killed too many innocent people, including children.
It was unnecessary as Japan was essentially defeated.
Japan was seeking surrender.
It was not universally supported in the United States.
The United States could have done something else.
The United States should have waited longer between the two bombs.
It was used more to scare the Soviet Union than to defeat Japan.
It led to the modern atomic age and the threat of nuclear warfare.
Source: History Crunch
Friendly Reminder:
I am providing these talking points to aid each side in their trial preparation. Remember, you MUST have documents to support your arguments you make. You can NOT just take this list and use it, you must support it by making connections with your evidence.