Moderated by Dr. Lindsay Starkey

The use of atomic bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki has remained a controversial decision due to the immense loss of life. Using information now available, I will be determining whether or not the use of atomic weaponry truly did save lives. Previous arguments discuss the possibility of conditional surrender, the effectiveness of traditional bombing, and the potential casualties of a land invasion. They ultimately fail to adequately consider Japanese sources when analyzing the effect on Japanese morale. I will be asking whether or not a second atomic bomb was required for surrender, and discuss the Japanese perspective on the war in the Pacific that is too often overlooked. Overall, the use of the nuclear bomb did save lives, and both were likely necessary to save lives when considering the culture of Japan and the mindset of the Japanese government.