Analyzing Truman’s Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb

1. Analyzing Truman’s Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb

3. In groups of 3-4 students, you will analyze each of the following three documents in order to gain greater insight into President Harry Truman’s decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan.. Complete the questions for each document. You will need this information in order to participate in class discussion as well as to respond to the final prompt.

5. Document #1: Truman’s Message to Congress, June 1945

7. Author/Creator of document? _______________________________ Date? _________________

9. Intended Audience? _________________________________________________________________

11. Purpose of document? ________________________________________________________________

13. In this message, what did Truman identify were the United States’ goals, successes, remaining obstacles, and future plans regarding the war with Japan?

15. Goals:

21. Successes:

27. Remaining Obstacles:

33. Future Plans:

39. Document #2: The Potsdam Declaration

40. Author/Creator of document? _________________________________ Date? ______________

42. Intended Audience? _______________________________________________________________

44. Purpose of document? ______________________________________________________________

46. What demands did the Allies make regarding Japanese surrender?