the atomic bomb a.developing the bomb b.truman’s decision c.the right decision?
TRANSCRIPT
The Atomic Bomb
A. Developing the Bomb
B. Truman’s Decision
C. The Right Decision?
A. Developing the Bomb• In 1939 Albert Einstein informed FDR that the
Germans were working on a new type of bomb
Question A
Read and discuss question A with your partner
• Development of this new bomb became known as the Manhattan Project
• Over 100,000 Americans secretly worked to develop the bomb
• $2 billion spent to develop the bomb
• July 16, 1945: successful testing of the new weapon in Alamogordo, New Mexico
B. Truman’s Decision• FDR dies April 1945 & Harry Truman becomes
president
Question B
Read and discuss question B with your partner
• Truman decided to drop 2 atomic bombs on Japan– To save American lives – To end the war quickly
Hiroshima
• August 6, 1945 “Little Boy” dropped on Hiroshima
Nagasaki• August 9, 1945 “Fat Man” dropped on Nagasaki
C. The Right Decision?
• Japan surrendered on August 14, 1945– VJ Day
• Radiation poisoning discovered after the bombing
• Over 225,000 people died as a result of the bombings by the end of 1945
Question C
Read and discuss question C with your partner
