The United States is the only nation in history to have used atomic (nuclear) bombs against other people. Two atomic bombs were used near the end of World War II. What was the primary (main) reason for the use of these two destructive bombs? (U5.5) (Units 5-8 EOC Study Notes) TEKS - 7(C)(1 point)

Question

Responses

To prevent Japan from invading China for it's natural resources
To prevent Japan from invading China for it's natural resources

To stop Japan from cutting off supply lines into China and the Philippines
To stop Japan from cutting off supply lines into China and the Philippines

To force Japan to withdraw from countries like Korea that it had occupied before the war started
To force Japan to withdraw from countries like Korea that it had occupied before the war started

To punish Japan for its treatment of American soldiers during the Bataan Death March
To punish Japan for its treatment of American soldiers during the Bataan Death March

To force Japan to accept the t

Answer 1

The primary reason for the use of atomic bombs on Japan near the end of World War II was to force Japan to accept an unconditional surrender and bring a swift end to the war. By demonstrating the overwhelming destructive power of nuclear weapons, the United States aimed to compel Japan to capitulate, thereby avoiding a potentially long and bloody invasion of the Japanese mainland, which could have resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

The options provided do not directly mention this overarching goal, but the closest related choice would be:

To force Japan to accept the terms of surrender.

This aligns with the broader strategic reasoning of the United States at the time.