While the use of the atomic bomb was the definitive end of World War II, the terrible weapons left new questions. Young scholars use primary sources and analytical worksheets to consider the implications of the fateful decision. Then, they answer the question for themselves: Should Truman have dropped the bomb?

Concepts

atomic bombs, world war ii, ethics, military history, primary source analysis, primary source images, primary sources

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the resources to structure a primary source analysis activity
• After learners complete the primary source analysis, use a continuum debate to discuss the ethics of dropping the atomic bomb

Classroom Considerations

• Serves as one installment of the War in the Pacific series

Pros

• Resource engages learners by asking them to sustain an opinion
• Primary source activity allows for skill building

Cons

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.8 RH.9-10.9 RH.11-12.7