Assignment Expectations

Assignment Specifications

Should the United States have dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese in World War II? After more than 50 years this question still remains controversial, stirring up heated debate and feelings. American observance of the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War II in 1995 occasioned bitter controversy. An uncomfortable Clinton administration canceled a mushroom cloud postage stamp and tentatively suggested that it might be kinder to Japan to talk of V-P (Victory in the Pacific) Day instead of V-J (Victory in Japan) Day.

The United States was JUSTIFIED in dropping the atomic bomb on Japan in order to end World War II
The United States was NOT JUSTIFIED in dropping the atomic bomb on Japan in order to end World War II

Use either one of the above statements to create a well-developed, focused, and coherent thesis statement.

Questions to consider:

What were the estimated casualties if a land invasion of Japan was used to end the war? Were these estimated numbers accurate or exaggerated?
What did the Japanese demonstrate in regards to fighting in numerous battles in the Pacific islands?
What were Truman’s other options in convincing the Japanese to surrender? What were the implications of those possible options?
If Truman had already concluded that Japan was ready to surrender, why did he decide to drop the atomic bomb on Japan?
What do you think Secretary of War Stimson meant when he wrote in his diary that "the atomic bomb was the United States' master card in dealing, not just with Japan, but with the Soviet Union as well"?
Why did Truman tell the American people that it was necessary to drop the atomic bomb on Japan to end the war when many top military leaders such as Eisenhower, Leahy, and Bard told him that it wasn't necessary to drop the bomb?

You will not be graded on what position you decide to take. This is a controversial topic in American history with no right or wrong answer. Rather you will be graded on how you defend it with historical evidence and/or organization of writing.

You will write a 5-7 page research paper on your assigned research topic.
The paper must be written using MLA formatting and be typed in Times New Roman, 12 space font, and be double spaced with normal margins.
You must use the following sources: 2 scholarly journal article (with a completed graphic organizer that will be graded for a total of 20 points possible), 2 books, and at least two additional sources of your choosing. There are to be a minimum of four parenthetical citations from different sources included within your paper. There are links to many resources on the Resources page of this site.
You must annotate six sources within your bibliography and will be graded. You are encouraged to use many sources, but you can stop annotating after six (you will include each source in an alphabetized Works Cited list that follows your paper).