The Americans, having broken Japanese codes, were aware of Japan’s desperation to negotiate peace with the U.S. But he decided to use the atomic bombs anyway. He knew the Soviet invasion would end the war. Nor did the bombs succeed in their collateral purpose: cowing the Soviets. William Leahy, Chester Nimitz, Ernest King and William Halsey - later called the atomic bombings either militarily unnecessary, morally reprehensible, or both. Dwight Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur and Henry Arnold, and Adms. Seven of America’s eight five-star officers in 1945 - Gens. Truman exulted in the obliteration of Hiroshima, calling it “the greatest thing in history.” America’s military leaders didn’t share his exuberance. More dangerously, it shapes the thinking of government officials and military planners working in a world that still contains more than 15,000 nuclear weapons. This erroneous contention finds its way into high school history texts still today. Most Americans have been taught that using atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 was justified because the bombings ended the war in the Pacific, thereby averting a costly U.S. Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs, has opted to remain silent on the issue. Obama, aware that his critics are ready to pounce if he casts the slightest doubt on the rectitude of President Harry S. atomic bombings of Japan - one largely suppressed since the Smithsonian canceled its Enola Gay exhibit in 1995. President Obama’s visit to Hiroshima on Friday has rekindled public debate about the U.S.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |