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Grade 5 Social Studies · World 5: Another World War · Level 55
Truman's Decision
Discuss Truman's reasons for dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the human cost.
Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.
For grown-ups
This lesson covers the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and says that more than 100,000 people died, most of them civilians. It has no pictures of harm, and it doesn't ask for a verdict. We suggest reading it together.
What children learn in Level 55
- This lesson is a hard one too. Georgia asks you to learn about a decision that took many lives. Take your time, and talk about it with a grown-up if you'd like.
- When Franklin Roosevelt died in April 1945, Harry Truman became president. Only then did Truman learn the full secret: scientists were building an atomic bomb, a single weapon that could destroy a city.
- Germany had surrendered, but Japan fought on. American leaders feared that invading Japan would cost a huge number of lives. In July, the Allies warned Japan to surrender or face destruction, and Japan didn't agree.
- Truman decided to use the bomb, and said the goal was to end the war quickly and save the lives an invasion would cost. On August 6, 1945, a bomb fell on Hiroshima. On August 9, another fell on Nagasaki.
- More than 100,000 people died, most of them civilians. Survivors suffered from injuries and illness for years. Days later, with the Soviet Union also at war with it, Japan agreed to surrender.
- People have thought about this decision ever since. Americans and Japanese, soldiers and survivors, and historians see it in different ways. Atomic bombs have never been used in war again.
Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies:
- SS5H4.c — Discuss President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.