The Use of the Atom Bomb Debate

The Interim Committee

They will conduct the debate and will act as judges.   They will make a recommendation to President Truman on whether or not to use the A-Bomb.   They should be prepared to ask questions of each of the other groups in the debate.

In Favor of Its Use:

Opposed to Its Use:

Generals:

Leaders of the army, you have been fighting against Japan for 4 years and have suffered many casualties.   You wish to avoid invading the easily defended islands of Japan.

Admirals:

As the leaders of the navy, you feel that the navy, using weapons already available can win the war, without having to invade Japan.

Diplomats:

As representatives of the US Government to other nations, you believe that the use of the bomb is justifies by the way the war has been fought by the Japanese and America.

Scientists:

Despite producing the bomb, you now feel it would be unfair to use it on humans, due to the horrific nature of the weapon.

Some Useful Websites:

• Background Info for All

• Hiroshima: Was It Necessary

• The Atom Bomb Decision

• Scientists Info (especially on Effects)

• Info for the Generals

• A Survivor of Hiroshima describes the Experience

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Format of the Debate:

The Interim Committee will run the debate.   The other groups (Generals, Admirals, Scientists, and Diplomats) will be trying to persuade the Interim Committee to agree with them.      Each of the debating groups  (Generals, Admirals, Scientists, and Diplomats) will get 5 minutes to present their ideas to the Interim Committee, without interruption from the other groups (the Interim Committee only may ask them questions).    After all four groups have presented, the Interim Committee will ask questions and open debate among the groups will take place.     For example the Generals might answer an Interim Committee question and them the Admirals might respond and pose a questions to the Diplomats, who might respond.    The Scientists might then want to challenge something the Diplomats said.

Grading of the Debate:

Each student will be graded individually based upon how clearly they have presented their groups' ideas.    Research done to prepare arguments will be a part of your grade.    Additionally, being able to "think on your feet" during the open debate section and ask & answer questions, challenge other groups' ideas and respond to challenges will improve your score.   For the Interim Committee members, controlling the debate, asking relevant questions will be a large part of your score, as will a written explanation of which arguments you found most persuasive (and why) will account for your grade.