Question
The Atomic Bomb: Did Truman Make the Right Decision?
Read and complete each editing task as follows:
Highlight the THESIS in the introductory paragraph.
Highlight each piece of evidence that supports the claim in each body paragraph .
Highlight the evidence used that supports the claim.
Highlight the argument/reasoning that explains how the evidence supports the claim.
Underline the conclusion to be sure the thesis has been restated.
Draw a star (*) next to every indentation. There should be a new indentation every time a new paragraph is started (there should be 5).
Briefly advise your peer as to what information should be added to each paragraph.
Paragraph 1: (Grabber/Hook statement, background information, clearly stated thesis)
President Truman didn’t make the right decision
Read and complete each editing task as follows:
Highlight the THESIS in the introductory paragraph.
Highlight each piece of evidence that supports the claim in each body paragraph .
Highlight the evidence used that supports the claim.
Highlight the argument/reasoning that explains how the evidence supports the claim.
Underline the conclusion to be sure the thesis has been restated.
Draw a star (*) next to every indentation. There should be a new indentation every time a new paragraph is started (there should be 5).
Briefly advise your peer as to what information should be added to each paragraph.
Paragraph 1: (Grabber/Hook statement, background information, clearly stated thesis)
President Truman didn’t make the right decision
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Paragraph 1:
*President Truman didn’t make the right decision (THESIS)*. The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been a contentious issue in historical debates. While some argue that these bombings were necessary to end World War II quickly and save lives, others believe that they were unnecessary acts of violence that caused immense destruction and suffering. In examining the consequences of the bombings, it becomes clear that Truman's choice was not only morally questionable but also strategically flawed.
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. *Grabber/Hook statement*: Consider starting with a powerful quote or a shocking statistic about the bombings to draw readers in.
2. *Background information*: Provide more context on the events leading up to the bombings, including Japan's position in the war and discussions among military leaders.
3. *Thesis*: Make the thesis statement stronger by briefly summarizing the reasons behind your argument against Truman’s decision.
---
### Paragraph 2:
*The bombings resulted in the immediate loss of civilian lives (EVIDENCE)*. Estimates suggest that around 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki by the end of 1945 (EVIDENCE). This staggering death toll highlights the catastrophic impact of the atomic bomb on civilian populations (ARGUMENT/REASONING). Truman's decision to prioritize military advantage over human life raises moral questions about the use of such weapons in warfare.
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Include *more detailed statistics* or expert opinions to strengthen the argument.
2. Consider discussing the long-term health impacts on survivors as additional evidence of suffering caused by the bombings.
---
### Paragraph 3:
*Moreover, the bombings set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts (EVIDENCE)*. Following World War II, the global nuclear arms race intensified, leading to decades of geopolitical tension (EVIDENCE). By using atomic weapons, Truman arguably legitimized their use in international warfare (ARGUMENT/REASONING). As countries developed their nuclear arsenals, the threat of global nuclear annihilation became a persistent risk that we still face today.
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Provide examples of conflicts subsequent to WWII where the presence of nuclear weapons influenced decisions (i.e., Cold War).
2. Discuss how this precedent has influenced modern military policies regarding nuclear weapons.
---
### Paragraph 4:
*Further, alternatives existed that could have brought Japan to surrender without the bombings (EVIDENCE)*. Diplomats and military advisors considered options like a demonstration of the bomb's power or a naval blockade (EVIDENCE). These strategies may have pressured Japan to capitulate while minimizing civilian casualties (ARGUMENT/REASONING). Truman's insistence on using the atomic bomb disregarded these alternatives, ultimately questioning his commitment to minimizing warfare casualties.
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Introduce specific names of diplomats or military advisors who advocated for these alternatives to add credibility.
2. Discuss how these alternative strategies could have changed the course of history.
---
### Paragraph 5:
*In conclusion, Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs was not just a tactical maneuver but a moral failure (CONCLUSION)*. The bombings resulted in vast civilian suffering, set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts, and overlooked viable alternatives that could have spared innocent lives. By examining the consequences of this pivotal decision, it is evident that Truman's legacy is one marked by a profound moral dilemma that continues to resonate today (CONCLUSION).
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Restate the thesis more powerfully, reiterating your main points.
2. Consider discussing how current nuclear policies continue to be influenced by historical events like these bombings, tying back to present-day implications.
---
### Formatting Notes:
- Be sure to indicate indentations with a star (*) next to each new paragraph.
- Highlight the appropriate components as per the instructions provided, ensuring clear visibility of claims, evidence, reasoning, and conclusions.
*President Truman didn’t make the right decision (THESIS)*. The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been a contentious issue in historical debates. While some argue that these bombings were necessary to end World War II quickly and save lives, others believe that they were unnecessary acts of violence that caused immense destruction and suffering. In examining the consequences of the bombings, it becomes clear that Truman's choice was not only morally questionable but also strategically flawed.
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. *Grabber/Hook statement*: Consider starting with a powerful quote or a shocking statistic about the bombings to draw readers in.
2. *Background information*: Provide more context on the events leading up to the bombings, including Japan's position in the war and discussions among military leaders.
3. *Thesis*: Make the thesis statement stronger by briefly summarizing the reasons behind your argument against Truman’s decision.
---
### Paragraph 2:
*The bombings resulted in the immediate loss of civilian lives (EVIDENCE)*. Estimates suggest that around 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki by the end of 1945 (EVIDENCE). This staggering death toll highlights the catastrophic impact of the atomic bomb on civilian populations (ARGUMENT/REASONING). Truman's decision to prioritize military advantage over human life raises moral questions about the use of such weapons in warfare.
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Include *more detailed statistics* or expert opinions to strengthen the argument.
2. Consider discussing the long-term health impacts on survivors as additional evidence of suffering caused by the bombings.
---
### Paragraph 3:
*Moreover, the bombings set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts (EVIDENCE)*. Following World War II, the global nuclear arms race intensified, leading to decades of geopolitical tension (EVIDENCE). By using atomic weapons, Truman arguably legitimized their use in international warfare (ARGUMENT/REASONING). As countries developed their nuclear arsenals, the threat of global nuclear annihilation became a persistent risk that we still face today.
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Provide examples of conflicts subsequent to WWII where the presence of nuclear weapons influenced decisions (i.e., Cold War).
2. Discuss how this precedent has influenced modern military policies regarding nuclear weapons.
---
### Paragraph 4:
*Further, alternatives existed that could have brought Japan to surrender without the bombings (EVIDENCE)*. Diplomats and military advisors considered options like a demonstration of the bomb's power or a naval blockade (EVIDENCE). These strategies may have pressured Japan to capitulate while minimizing civilian casualties (ARGUMENT/REASONING). Truman's insistence on using the atomic bomb disregarded these alternatives, ultimately questioning his commitment to minimizing warfare casualties.
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Introduce specific names of diplomats or military advisors who advocated for these alternatives to add credibility.
2. Discuss how these alternative strategies could have changed the course of history.
---
### Paragraph 5:
*In conclusion, Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs was not just a tactical maneuver but a moral failure (CONCLUSION)*. The bombings resulted in vast civilian suffering, set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts, and overlooked viable alternatives that could have spared innocent lives. By examining the consequences of this pivotal decision, it is evident that Truman's legacy is one marked by a profound moral dilemma that continues to resonate today (CONCLUSION).
### Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Restate the thesis more powerfully, reiterating your main points.
2. Consider discussing how current nuclear policies continue to be influenced by historical events like these bombings, tying back to present-day implications.
---
### Formatting Notes:
- Be sure to indicate indentations with a star (*) next to each new paragraph.
- Highlight the appropriate components as per the instructions provided, ensuring clear visibility of claims, evidence, reasoning, and conclusions.