Question

Why did Truman decide to use the atomic bomb to end the war?

Responses

to test the effects of an atomic bomb on a city

to test the effects of an atomic bomb on a city

to quickly end the war without an invasion

to quickly end the war without an invasion

to keep the Russians from entering the war

to keep the Russians from entering the war

to show the world a new superweapon

to show the world a new superweapon

1 answer

The primary reason Truman decided to use the atomic bomb to end the war was "to quickly end the war without an invasion." The use of the bomb was seen as a way to avoid a prolonged conflict and the heavy casualties that would likely result from a full-scale invasion of Japan. While there were other considerations, such as demonstrating power to the Soviet Union, the immediate goal was to bring a swift conclusion to World War II.