Part A
Whether the United States was justified in using Atomic bombs on Japan in August 1945 and the effects of those bombings remain a topic of heated debate among historians and the public. Analyze the available evidence and explain the controversy.
Directions: Using the textbook chapters and at least two of the primary sources listed in this module, write a 300-word post responding to the prompt provided as a reply in the discussion thread. Be as specific as possible in your response, basing your response on evidence rather than opinion (this may be challenging). Your response should conform to the normal requirements of formal written English, and must include in-line citations and references for all information used in APA format. After writing your post, respond to at classmate with a 150-word post that adds new information or ideas based on evidence to the discussion. Simply agreeing, saying ‘good job,” or responding with unsupported opinions is not sufficient.
Because writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are part of the learning outcomes of this course, all assignments should be the individual work of the student. Developing strong competencies in these areas will prepare you for a competitive workplace. For the purposes of this class, the use of generative AI platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, etc.) for analysis, writing, and editing work constitutes academic misconduct.
Primary sources
Appeals of President Franklin D. Roosevelt Against Aerial Bombardment of Civilian Populations, September 1, 1939.
Harry S. Truman,
Diary, July 25, 1945.
Ralph Bard,
Memorandum on the Use of the S-1 Bomb, June 27, 1945.
John McCloy, Comments on the Atomic Bombing of Japan, June – July, 1945.
Leo Szilard,
Petition to the President of the United States, July 3, 1945.
Leo Szilard, President Truman Did Not Understand, August 15, 1960,
U.S. News and World Report.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, View of the Atomic Bomb,
The White House Years: Mandate for Change, 1953-56, 1963.
Documents Relating to American Foreign Policy, Hiroshima.
Book sources
Chapter 13 of Kordas, A. M., Lynch, R. J., Nelson, K. B., & Tatlock, J. (2022).
World history. volume 2: From 1400. OpenStax.
Chapter 14.1 of Kordas, A. M., Lynch, R. J., Nelson, K. B., & Tatlock, J. (2022).
World history. volume 2: From 1400. OpenStax.
John Green. (2012). USA vs USSR Fight! The Cold War: Crash Course World History #39.
John Green. (2012). World War II: Crash Course World History #38.
Part B
Compose a Reflection on Learning statement responding to one of the primary sources listed below. This is an exercise in “metacognition,” or recognizing how and what you are learning. Write 300 words about:
· What you find interesting or surprising about the source you selected?
· Why was that information interesting or new to you?
· What insight does it give you into American history?
After posting your discussion post, respond to another student, preferably one who wrote responded to a different primary source with a 100-150 word post. In your peer responses, work to add new information and ideas to the conversation. Posts that simply say “I agree” or “good job” will not receive credit for the peer response portion of the assignment.
As with all of our other assignments, references and citations in
APA style
are required.
Because writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are part of the learning outcomes of this course, all assignments should be the individual work of the student. Developing strong competencies in these areas will prepare you for a competitive workplace. For the purposes of this class, the use of generative AI platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, etc.) for analysis, writing, and editing work constitutes academic misconduct.
Note: You will not be able to see posts from other students until 30 minutes after your post is submitted.
Source 1: Khrushchev, N. (1958, November 10)
Demands the Return of West Berlin [Speech transcript]. Alphahistory.
Source 2: Kennedy, J. F. (1961).
Address on the Berlin Crisis [Speech transcript]/ Alphahistory.
Source 3: Hillenkoetter, R. H. (1948, June 8). [Letter to Harry S. Truman outlining possible Soviet reaction to the unification of the French, British, and U. S. zones of Berlin]. Papers of Harry S. Truman: President’s Secretary’s Files.
