Running Header: Truman: “To Kill or Not to Kill”
Truman: “To Kill or Not to Kill”
Abstract
Today, the topic of discussion will be based upon a time of war in America which I would say had definite global effects. This time period and event is commonly referred to as World War II.
The topic is in relation to President Harry Truman’s decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan to end World War II. In the following essay, I would like to talk about the ethical merits of this decision and also cover the ethical perspective of President Truman during this decision. I will also cover some of the political implications presented to President Truman in his dealings with the Soviet Union and how this played a role in the difficulty of such a decision. “To kill or not to kill”, as stated in the title I think is the definitive question at hand. I have to say from my own ethical perspective, I feel that this was a decision that was morally and ethically wrong. I will also cover the reasoning behind why I take this stance.
Truman: “To Kill or Not to Kill”
American policies on atomic energy developed in the Roosevelt administration. During this period of time, America was on the cusp of World War II and naturally contemplating whatever strategies it could come up with to end it. Needless to say, this was a war with global influence, all of the big world powers were involved including countries such as Britain, the
Soviet Union, and of course Japan plus many more. Leading up to the decision, ‘’to kill or not to kill”, there were many battles that ensued including a recent battle conquering Okinawa with the loss of 12,500 American servicemen. (Buckley, 1995) On the other hand, Truman was also contending with the influence and involvement of the...