President Truman and the Atomic Bomb

The first chapter deals with the construction of the bomb, the death of FDR, and how Truman found out about the atomic bomb.

Chapter 2 starts off by examining the invasion alternative to the use of the atomic bomb. The book explores the controversy over exactly how many American casualties would occur if the U.S. went ahead with Operations Olympic and Coronet.

Chapter 3 examines the theory that diplomatic errors played a role in the decision to use the bomb. The main issue is that the U.S. demanded unconditional surrender and said nothing about allowing the Emperor to continue his position. If the U.S. had said that they wanted a total surrender, but the Emperor would not have been arrested and tried, Japan might have agreed to the terms and thus the atomic bombs would not have been used.

Chapter 4 examines the decision-making process that led to the use of the atomic bomb. Chapter 5 examines the possibility that Truman used the atomic bombs to impress the Soviets. The Postscript notes that a third atomic bomb was being prepared for use on the city of Tokyo.

This is a very good book, quite balanced in its presentation, noting both sides of the issue and also noting that no final judgment is likely.

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