World War II Unit Day Four U.S. History The key events, figures, and outcomes of the Atomic Bombing of Japan.
Title of Event: Atomic Bombing of Japan Problem or Goal: How should the U.S. end World War II? Following Germany s surrender in May 1945, many wondered which options the U.S. should consider to defeat the Japanese. Demonstrate the bomb- show its power to the Japanese to convince them to surrender. Issues with Demonstration- What if it didn t work? And what if Japan ambushed the plane? Truman believes- if this weapon could end the war, then we need to use it. Estimated invasion losses- Allies could have 2-4 million casualties invading Japan.
Problem or Goal: How should the U.S. end World War II? Following Germany s surrender in May 1945, many wondered which options the U.S. should consider to defeat the Japanese. Demonstrate the bomb- show its power to the Japanese to convince them to surrender. Issues with Demonstration- What if it didn t work? And what if Japan ambushed the plane? Truman believes- if this weapon could end the war, then we need to use it. Estimated invasion losses- Allies could have 2-4 million casualties invading Japan. Participants/Key Players: U.S. military- Prior to Atomic Bombing the U.S. had 400,000 killed and 670,000 injured soldiers. Robert Oppenheimer- lead scientist in the development of the atomic bomb. Harry Truman- U.S. President whose decision was to bomb Japan instead of invasion. Soviet Union- Allied nation that agreed to join the war against Japan on 8/15/1945.
Title of Event: Atomic Bombing of Japan Key Episodes or Events June 1942- Battle of Midway (turning point in Pacific) U.S. breaks secret code and Japan s fleet is ambushed. July 1942-February 1945- Island Hopping used to cut off Japan s supply chains and U.S. creeps toward Japan. Febrary/March 1945- Battle of Iwo Jima- U.S. secures island close enough to launch daily air raids on the island of Japan. May/June 1945- After Hitler s defeat, Soviets occupy much of eastern and central Europe (frustrates US and Great Britain). July 16, 1945- Successful test of atomic bomb by scientists in New Mexico desert. Participants/Key Players: U.S. military- Prior to Atomic Bombing the U.S. had 400,000 killed and 670,000 injured soldiers. Robert Oppenheimer- lead scientist in the development of the atomic bomb. Harry Truman- U.S. President whose decision was to bomb Japan instead of invasion. Soviet Union- Allied nation that agreed to join the war against Japan on 8/15/1945.
Title of Event: Atomic Bombing of Japan Key Episodes or Events June 1942- Battle of Midway (turning point in Pacific) U.S. breaks secret code and Japan s fleet is ambushed. July 1942-February 1945- Island Hopping used to cut off Japan s supply chains and U.S. creeps toward Japan. Febrary/March 1945- Battle of Iwo Jima- U.S. secures island close enough to launch daily air raids on the island of Japan. May/June 1945- After Hitler s defeat, Soviets occupy much of eastern and central Europe (frustrates US and Great Britain). July 16, 1945- Successful test of atomic bomb by scientists in New Mexico desert. Participants/Key Players: U.S. military Robert Oppenheimer Harry Truman Soviet Union Where: Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Japan) When: August 6, 1945 and August 9, 1945 Resolution or Outcome: Japan surrenders to Allies on V-J Day (August 15, 1945) Theme/Lessons/So What? Soviets shut out of territory in Japan. U.S. supports internationalist foreign policy and feels betrayed by Soviets. Soviets want to catch up with U.S. starts rivalry (Cold War)
Today s Assignment- Casualties of the Major Combatants of World War II due next class period. World War II Unit Test- Next Class Period B-Days: 2/18, A-Days 2/19