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Hi,
It is indeed a hot topic. I've often wondered whether Truman had any real alternative other than dropping at least one A-bomb. Maybe one of them could have been dropped on a less populated area, but it was not initially known how stubborn the Japanese command would be.
I have read that
- there were more than 1.3 million Japanese troops on Formosa and the Chinese mainland at the time of surrender. Many of these would have been brought back to the home islands, albeit against determined American interdiction.
- Harry Truman was worried about domestic unrest over American casualties, especially after Okinawa and the Ardennes battle. The frightful casualty list that must have resulted in an invasion of the Japanese home islands would have been a factor. In WWII, American deaths have been put at 0.32% of the population, which was less than Australia and Great Britain, and far less than Germany or the Soviet Union, but large enough in absolute numbers - 418000 approx.
- it is often said the Americans only had 3 A-bombs in total at the time. However they did have another ready in August 1945, and their capacity to produce more, once the designs were proven, was estimated by Gen Groves at 3 per month.
I have never read Harry Truman's own words in lengthy detail on his decision. He must have released his reasons though.
I can't say cheers..........
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