Reflective Essay on the Atomic Bombing of Japan
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The article “Reasons against the Atomic Bombing of Japan” tries to explain why the atomic bombing of Japan by the US at the end of World War II was not justified and thus should not have happened. Several reasons have been used to prove that the bombing was not justified, as argued by various historians. Among the reasons is that it was inhumane, it resulted in great destruction, a substantial number of innocent people lost their lives children included, and it was not necessary since Japan had already been defeated and was seeking to surrender. Moreover, according to the author of this article, the bombing was not collectively supported in the US, and thus the US could have done something else. It is also clear that it led to the modern atomic age as well as the threat of nuclear warfare. Thus, it is undeniable that the atomic bombing of Japan was not justified and should not have happened.
Several historians have argued that the bombing was not necessary and unjustified. It is clear that any kind of bombs are distressing and have the potential of causing extensive damage and death. Thus, they are generally inhumane. It is also clear, as pointed out by several historians, that noxious radiations in atomic bombs are immoral. The kind of injuries that results from bombs also proves that they are inhumane. The atomic bombs that were used by the US caused unwarranted destruction of both Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
However, there are still historians that argue in favor of the atomic bombs that were used by the United States in Japan. Several reasons make them think that it was justifiable. Among the reasons is that it ended the war between the battling nations. They also argue that it saved the lives of millions of people. They also believe that it was indispensable for the emergent of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The author of the article, despite taking the counter-arguments seriously, he dismisses them.
To me, the above issue that tries to answer questions relating to justifications of the necessity or morality of America’s role in WWII and certain actions that were taken by the US during the war, I tend to agree with the author of this article. The atomic bombs that were used in the US were not justified. First, it caused more harm than good. So many innocent people lost their lives. Moreover, that was great destruction of property. My argument is based on the fact that human life is precious and should be protected. There is no action whatsoever that justifies the killing of innocent people anywhere in the world.
In conclusion, it was immoral for the United States to use atomic bombs against Japan. First, it should be noted that Japan was nearly defeated by the US and was seeking to surrender. Therefore, it was unnecessary to use atomic bombs. Thus, the US could have used different ways of making Japan surrender. This includes carrying out a naval obstruction of the island country that would have forced the Japanese leaders to surrender. Finally, it is unethical and immoral to end lives and shed blood of innocent people anyhow. Thus, the atomic bombing of Japan was not justified.
Reference
“Reasons against the Atomic Bombing of Japan.” Retrieved from: https://www.historycrunch.com/reasons-against-the-atomic-bombing-of-japan.html#/