Question 1: When did the United States first successfully test an atomic bomb?

Answer: July 16, 1945

Question 2: Who was the scientific leader of the Manhattan Project?

Answer: J. Robert Oppenheimer

Question 3: What was the main motivation for the US to develop the atomic bomb?

Answer: To quickly end the war and prevent Allied casualties, and to counter the threat of Nazi Germany developing nuclear weapons.

Question 4: Which two cities were targeted with atomic bombs in 1945?

Answer: Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Question 5: Approximately how many people were killed instantly by the Hiroshima bomb?

Answer: Approximately 70,000–80,000

Question 1: Source: 'The atomic bomb was a weapon of unprecedented destruction, intended to bring the war to a swift end.' — Historian's note What can you infer about the purpose of the atomic bomb from this source?

Answer: The source suggests that the atomic bomb was developed to quickly end the war and minimize prolonged conflict and casualties.

Question 2: Evaluate the reliability of this source. What is its purpose, and who might be the intended audience?

Answer: This is a secondary source aimed at providing historical analysis; its purpose is to interpret the bomb's role. Its reliability is high due to scholarly context, but it reflects a modern perspective, not contemporary to the events.

Question 3: Source: Excerpts from President Truman's speech announcing the use of the atomic bomb. What does this source reveal about the US government's justification for using the bomb?

Answer: It shows that the US justified the use of the bomb as necessary to end the war swiftly and save lives, emphasizing its military necessity.

Question 1: Explain why the decision to drop the atomic bomb was made by US leaders in 1945.

Answer: US leaders decided to drop the bomb to end the war quickly, avoid a costly invasion of Japan, demonstrate power to the Soviet Union, and justify the Manhattan Project costs.

Question 2: Describe how the use of the atomic bomb changed the nature of warfare and international relations.

Answer: The atomic bomb introduced nuclear deterrence, led to the Cold War arms race, and marked a new era of destructive power in warfare, emphasizing the importance of nuclear diplomacy.

Question 3: Explain the ethical debates surrounding the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Answer: Debates focus on whether the bombings were justified to end the war versus the civilian casualties and long-term suffering, raising questions about morality and military necessity.

Question 1: To what extent was the use of the atomic bomb necessary to end World War II?

Answer: A balanced essay should consider the military, political, and ethical factors, weighing the argument that it was necessary against those suggesting alternative options or highlighting the human cost.