Debating the Decision to Drop the

Atomic Bomb

Debating the Decision to Drop the

Atomic Bomb

A group debate activity.A group debate activity.

Essential QuestionsEssential Questions

Can you explain Can you explain 3 claims for 3 claims for

your viewpoint your viewpoint about the about the

atomic bomb?atomic bomb?

Can you explain Can you explain 3 claims for 3 claims for

your viewpoint your viewpoint about the about the

atomic bomb?atomic bomb?

GOALGOALGOALGOAL

DirectionsDirectionsDirectionsDirections

1.1. Go over the debate topics.Go over the debate topics.

2.2. Break into groups. Break into groups.

3.3. Assign debate topic and point of view.Assign debate topic and point of view.

4.4. Research the topic and fill in their Research the topic and fill in their debate organizer.debate organizer.

5.5. Create an introductory paragraph that Create an introductory paragraph that presents a debate thesis and presents a debate thesis and introduces three claims.introduces three claims.

1.1. Go over the debate topics.Go over the debate topics.

2.2. Break into groups. Break into groups.

3.3. Assign debate topic and point of view.Assign debate topic and point of view.

4.4. Research the topic and fill in their Research the topic and fill in their debate organizer.debate organizer.

5.5. Create an introductory paragraph that Create an introductory paragraph that presents a debate thesis and presents a debate thesis and introduces three claims.introduces three claims.

Topics to DebateTopics to DebateTopics to DebateTopics to Debate

Should the United States build an Should the United States build an atomic bomb?atomic bomb?

Should the United States drop an Should the United States drop an atomic bomb on Japan?atomic bomb on Japan?

Should the United States drop a second Should the United States drop a second bomb on Japan?bomb on Japan?

Did the United States make the correct Did the United States make the correct decision about dropping the bomb?decision about dropping the bomb?

Should the United States build an Should the United States build an atomic bomb?atomic bomb?

Should the United States drop an Should the United States drop an atomic bomb on Japan?atomic bomb on Japan?

Should the United States drop a second Should the United States drop a second bomb on Japan?bomb on Japan?

Did the United States make the correct Did the United States make the correct decision about dropping the bomb?decision about dropping the bomb?

Debate PreparationDebate PreparationDebate PreparationDebate Preparation

1.1. Class is broken into 2 groups.Class is broken into 2 groups. Pro and anti bomb.Pro and anti bomb.

2.2. Students are assigned a topic to represent.Students are assigned a topic to represent.1.1. Should the United States build an atomic bomb?Should the United States build an atomic bomb?2.2. Should the United States drop an atomic bomb on Japan?Should the United States drop an atomic bomb on Japan?3.3. Should the United States drop a second bomb on Japan?Should the United States drop a second bomb on Japan?4.4. Did the United States make the correct decision about Did the United States make the correct decision about

dropping the bomb?dropping the bomb?3.3. Read and highlight/underline the handout.Read and highlight/underline the handout.4.4. In your notebook, write notes about your topic using In your notebook, write notes about your topic using

information from the textbook and handout. information from the textbook and handout. 5.5. Fill out the debate organizer using the textbook, the Fill out the debate organizer using the textbook, the

handout, and extend your research into other sources.handout, and extend your research into other sources.6.6. Look at rubric to see how the debate is scored.Look at rubric to see how the debate is scored.

1.1. Class is broken into 2 groups.Class is broken into 2 groups. Pro and anti bomb.Pro and anti bomb.

2.2. Students are assigned a topic to represent.Students are assigned a topic to represent.1.1. Should the United States build an atomic bomb?Should the United States build an atomic bomb?2.2. Should the United States drop an atomic bomb on Japan?Should the United States drop an atomic bomb on Japan?3.3. Should the United States drop a second bomb on Japan?Should the United States drop a second bomb on Japan?4.4. Did the United States make the correct decision about Did the United States make the correct decision about

dropping the bomb?dropping the bomb?3.3. Read and highlight/underline the handout.Read and highlight/underline the handout.4.4. In your notebook, write notes about your topic using In your notebook, write notes about your topic using

information from the textbook and handout. information from the textbook and handout. 5.5. Fill out the debate organizer using the textbook, the Fill out the debate organizer using the textbook, the

handout, and extend your research into other sources.handout, and extend your research into other sources.6.6. Look at rubric to see how the debate is scored.Look at rubric to see how the debate is scored.

Debate StepsDebate StepsDebate StepsDebate Steps First Speaker, Proposition TeamFirst Speaker, Proposition Team 2 minutes2 minutes First Speaker, Opposition TeamFirst Speaker, Opposition Team 2 minutes2 minutes Second Speaker, Proposition Team 2 minutesSecond Speaker, Proposition Team 2 minutes Second Speaker, Opposition Team 2 minutesSecond Speaker, Opposition Team 2 minutes Rebuttal Speaker, Opposition Team 1 minuteRebuttal Speaker, Opposition Team 1 minute Rebuttal Speaker, Proposition Team 1 minuteRebuttal Speaker, Proposition Team 1 minute

First Speaker, Proposition TeamFirst Speaker, Proposition Team 2 minutes2 minutes First Speaker, Opposition TeamFirst Speaker, Opposition Team 2 minutes2 minutes Second Speaker, Proposition Team 2 minutesSecond Speaker, Proposition Team 2 minutes Second Speaker, Opposition Team 2 minutesSecond Speaker, Opposition Team 2 minutes Rebuttal Speaker, Opposition Team 1 minuteRebuttal Speaker, Opposition Team 1 minute Rebuttal Speaker, Proposition Team 1 minuteRebuttal Speaker, Proposition Team 1 minute

Opposition RebuttalOpposition RebuttalOpposition RebuttalOpposition Rebuttal

Summary speech for your team.Summary speech for your team. Focus on the 2-4 critical claims Focus on the 2-4 critical claims

your team made.your team made. Do not start new arguments.Do not start new arguments.

Summary speech for your team.Summary speech for your team. Focus on the 2-4 critical claims Focus on the 2-4 critical claims

your team made.your team made. Do not start new arguments.Do not start new arguments.

Proposition RebuttalProposition RebuttalProposition RebuttalProposition Rebuttal

Summarize the entire debate. Summarize the entire debate. Answer the critical claims brought Answer the critical claims brought

up in the Opposition Rebuttal. up in the Opposition Rebuttal. Do not start new arguments.Do not start new arguments.

Summarize the entire debate. Summarize the entire debate. Answer the critical claims brought Answer the critical claims brought

up in the Opposition Rebuttal. up in the Opposition Rebuttal. Do not start new arguments.Do not start new arguments.

Debate TermsDebate TermsDebate TermsDebate Terms

ClaimClaim- The argument you are making.- The argument you are making. CounterclaimCounterclaim- The argument your - The argument your

opponent is making or the point you are opponent is making or the point you are trying to disprove.trying to disprove.

Point of information- Point of information- A request by a A request by a member of one team to a person who is member of one team to a person who is speaking to give some of her time to the speaking to give some of her time to the other team to make a comment or ask a other team to make a comment or ask a question about her speech.question about her speech.

HecklingHeckling- An interruption of a speaker - An interruption of a speaker during her presentation.during her presentation.

ClaimClaim- The argument you are making.- The argument you are making. CounterclaimCounterclaim- The argument your - The argument your

opponent is making or the point you are opponent is making or the point you are trying to disprove.trying to disprove.

Point of information- Point of information- A request by a A request by a member of one team to a person who is member of one team to a person who is speaking to give some of her time to the speaking to give some of her time to the other team to make a comment or ask a other team to make a comment or ask a question about her speech.question about her speech.

HecklingHeckling- An interruption of a speaker - An interruption of a speaker during her presentation.during her presentation.

Points of InformationPoints of InformationPoints of InformationPoints of Information Also known as POI (pronounced “P-O-I”)Also known as POI (pronounced “P-O-I”) May be accepted or rejectedMay be accepted or rejected May not last longer than 15 secondsMay not last longer than 15 seconds Accept only 1 point at a timeAccept only 1 point at a time Person making a POI may not Person making a POI may not

Interrupt the speaker’s answer to the pointInterrupt the speaker’s answer to the point Make a two-part questionMake a two-part question Ask a follow-up question Ask a follow-up question

Also known as POI (pronounced “P-O-I”)Also known as POI (pronounced “P-O-I”) May be accepted or rejectedMay be accepted or rejected May not last longer than 15 secondsMay not last longer than 15 seconds Accept only 1 point at a timeAccept only 1 point at a time Person making a POI may not Person making a POI may not

Interrupt the speaker’s answer to the pointInterrupt the speaker’s answer to the point Make a two-part questionMake a two-part question Ask a follow-up question Ask a follow-up question

HeckleHeckleHeckleHeckle

Encouraged hecklingEncouraged heckling Applaud teammates and opponents Applaud teammates and opponents

after their speechesafter their speeches Done by:Done by:

Pounding on a desktop with an open palmPounding on a desktop with an open palm Slapping one’s hand 3-4 timesSlapping one’s hand 3-4 times

When to:When to: Supporting a partner’s particularly clever or Supporting a partner’s particularly clever or

winning argumentwinning argument May add a shout of “Hear! Hear!” to the May add a shout of “Hear! Hear!” to the

pounding pounding Disagree with an opponentDisagree with an opponent

Shout “Shame!” but do not pound on the Shout “Shame!” but do not pound on the tabletable

Encouraged hecklingEncouraged heckling Applaud teammates and opponents Applaud teammates and opponents

after their speechesafter their speeches Done by:Done by:

Pounding on a desktop with an open palmPounding on a desktop with an open palm Slapping one’s hand 3-4 timesSlapping one’s hand 3-4 times

When to:When to: Supporting a partner’s particularly clever or Supporting a partner’s particularly clever or

winning argumentwinning argument May add a shout of “Hear! Hear!” to the May add a shout of “Hear! Hear!” to the

pounding pounding Disagree with an opponentDisagree with an opponent

Shout “Shame!” but do not pound on the Shout “Shame!” but do not pound on the tabletable

HeckleHeckleHeckleHeckle

Illegal hecklingIllegal heckling Disrupting the debate in any other Disrupting the debate in any other

manner than those listed on the slide manner than those listed on the slide aboveabove

May result in losing points for your May result in losing points for your debate even if you are not currently debate even if you are not currently debating.debating.

Illegal hecklingIllegal heckling Disrupting the debate in any other Disrupting the debate in any other

manner than those listed on the slide manner than those listed on the slide aboveabove

May result in losing points for your May result in losing points for your debate even if you are not currently debate even if you are not currently debating.debating.

President Harry

Truman

President Harry

Truman Only recently

learned the existence of the atomic bomb program

Only recently learned the existence of the atomic bomb program

Japanese conductJapanese conduct

Has been brutal throughout the war. slaughtered civilians, bombed cities, tortured prisoners-often

working them to death. May have caused more

deaths during the war than the Nazis

May have killed over 17 million people.

Sneak attack on Pearl Harbor

Has been brutal throughout the war. slaughtered civilians, bombed cities, tortured prisoners-often

working them to death. May have caused more

deaths during the war than the Nazis

May have killed over 17 million people.

Sneak attack on Pearl Harbor

Battles against the JapaneseBattles against the Japanese Resulted in horrendous

casualties on both sides: Iwo Jima

22,000 Japanese soldiers only about 1000 survived

Okinawa 100,000 Japanese soldiers along with about 150,000

civilians only 7000 surrendered;

Resulted in horrendous casualties on both sides: Iwo Jima

22,000 Japanese soldiers only about 1000 survived

Okinawa 100,000 Japanese soldiers along with about 150,000

civilians only 7000 surrendered;

Military situationMilitary situation

War has drastically weakened Japan

Japanese navy essentially been destroyed.

Bombing destroyed many cities, railroads, and factories.

War has drastically weakened Japan

Japanese navy essentially been destroyed.

Bombing destroyed many cities, railroads, and factories.

Operation OlympicOperation Olympic

Invasion plan of Japanese homeland

Scheduled for November 1st..

Some advise to blockade the islands and continue bombing until surrender.

U.S. bombs Japanese cities on a regular basis almost every major Japanese

city hit. firebombing of Tokyo in March

killed over 100,000 people.

Invasion plan of Japanese homeland

Scheduled for November 1st..

Some advise to blockade the islands and continue bombing until surrender.

U.S. bombs Japanese cities on a regular basis almost every major Japanese

city hit. firebombing of Tokyo in March

killed over 100,000 people.

U.S. intercepted messages between Japan and RussiaU.S. intercepted messages between Japan and Russia

Show Japanese want to surrender with conditions

U.S. pursued a policy to surrender unconditionally.

Russians have promised the U.S. that they will attack Japan on August 15th.

Show Japanese want to surrender with conditions

U.S. pursued a policy to surrender unconditionally.

Russians have promised the U.S. that they will attack Japan on August 15th.

Japan’s Supreme War CouncilJapan’s Supreme War Council Decision-making body, Hopes to achieve one last major victory before it

negotiating seriously with the U.S. Ketsugo - military plan

use remaining strength to defend their islands and inflict heavy casualties

Think U.S. will have to agree to give better surrender terms

Decision-making body, Hopes to achieve one last major victory before it

negotiating seriously with the U.S. Ketsugo - military plan

use remaining strength to defend their islands and inflict heavy casualties

Think U.S. will have to agree to give better surrender terms

Stalin favors unconditional

surrender

Stalin favors unconditional

surrender Wants to crush Japan

completely. Expects the victorious

nations to partition and oversee Japan

Include a Russian zone of occupation Similar to Germany

Wants to crush Japan completely.

Expects the victorious nations to partition and oversee Japan

Include a Russian zone of occupation Similar to Germany

American public opinionAmerican public opinion Favors continually

bombing Japan 90% of Americans want

Japan's unconditional surrender

One-third of Americans favor executing the emperor

Almost all other Americans want him removed from power after the war

Favors continually bombing Japan

90% of Americans want Japan's unconditional surrender

One-third of Americans favor executing the emperor

Almost all other Americans want him removed from power after the war

Atomic bombAtomic bomb

Successful test on an atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert.

A single atomic bomb can destroy a whole city

Successful test on an atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert.

A single atomic bomb can destroy a whole city

Potsdam DeclarationPotsdam Declaration July 26th, Truman issued the Postdam

Declaration U.S. threatened the Japanese with utter

destruction. Japanese could not return their emperor.

July 26th, Truman issued the Postdam Declaration

U.S. threatened the Japanese with utter destruction.

Japanese could not return their emperor.

Interim CommitteeInterim Committee

Recommendation Bomb should be

used against Japan as soon as possible

against a war plant surrounded by workers' homes,

without prior warning.

Recommendation Bomb should be

used against Japan as soon as possible

against a war plant surrounded by workers' homes,

without prior warning.

Other optionsOther options

Some military leaders predict 175,000 American casualties if the U.S. invades Kyushu

Two other military strategies available: blockade has become extremely effective:

Japan can import almost nothing bombing campaign has weakened Japan.

report on the effectiveness of conventional bombing concentrate all of its bombing on railroads, bridges, and

ferries, Starvation will become widespread throughout the

country

Some military leaders predict 175,000 American casualties if the U.S. invades Kyushu

Two other military strategies available: blockade has become extremely effective:

Japan can import almost nothing bombing campaign has weakened Japan.

report on the effectiveness of conventional bombing concentrate all of its bombing on railroads, bridges, and

ferries, Starvation will become widespread throughout the

country

Truman takes advice of Interim Committee

Truman takes advice of Interim Committee

Use of the atomic bomb against a military target, factory surrounded by workers'

houses. U.S. planes dropped the bomb on

the city of Hiroshima on August 6th, killing about 100,000 people. The Japanese government did not

respond. Russians are about to declare war and

attack Japanese forces in Manchuria.

Use of the atomic bomb against a military target, factory surrounded by workers'

houses. U.S. planes dropped the bomb on

the city of Hiroshima on August 6th, killing about 100,000 people. The Japanese government did not

respond. Russians are about to declare war and

attack Japanese forces in Manchuria.

The U.S. military plans second atomic bomb on another Japanese city.

The U.S. military plans second atomic bomb on another Japanese city.

Truman did not interfere with plans for the second bombing

U.S. planes dropped the bomb on Nagasaki on August 9th.

President Truman ordered the military not to use atomic bombs without his specific authorization.

Truman did not interfere with plans for the second bombing

U.S. planes dropped the bomb on Nagasaki on August 9th.

President Truman ordered the military not to use atomic bombs without his specific authorization.

Fighting endsFighting ends August 14th September 2nd the U.S. accepted the

formal surrender of Japan. Historical perspectives on Truman's

decision: Truman's decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki remains controversial.

August 14th September 2nd the U.S. accepted the

formal surrender of Japan. Historical perspectives on Truman's

decision: Truman's decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki remains controversial.