The Fall of JapanThe Fall of Japan

The Rising Sun SetsThe Rising Sun SetsThe Rising Sun SetsThe Rising Sun Sets

Island-hopping to VictoryIsland-hopping to Victory

• US victory plan US victory plan had two partshad two parts• #1 = Retake #1 = Retake

some Japanese some Japanese Islands in the Islands in the Pacific (leave Pacific (leave others)others)

• #2 = Invade #2 = Invade Japan itselfJapan itself

• Japanese not Japanese not willing to willing to surrendersurrender• Many Allied Many Allied

leaders thought leaders thought they would with they would with the fall of the fall of GermanyGermany

• US victory plan US victory plan had two partshad two parts• #1 = Retake #1 = Retake

some Japanese some Japanese Islands in the Islands in the Pacific (leave Pacific (leave others)others)

• #2 = Invade #2 = Invade Japan itselfJapan itself

• Japanese not Japanese not willing to willing to surrendersurrender• Many Allied Many Allied

leaders thought leaders thought they would with they would with the fall of the fall of GermanyGermany

Different Kind of WarDifferent Kind of War

• Fighting in Pacific different Fighting in Pacific different than Europe than Europe

• Europe - open fields; townsEurope - open fields; towns• Pacific - islands; beach Pacific - islands; beach

landingslandings• Also fighting in junglesAlso fighting in jungles• Enemy was often hiddenEnemy was often hidden• Japanese dug tunnelsJapanese dug tunnels• U.S. - very slow movingU.S. - very slow moving• Had to clear every inch of Had to clear every inch of

landland• Over time = U.S. moved Over time = U.S. moved

closer to Japan (island-closer to Japan (island-hopping)hopping)

• Fighting in Pacific different Fighting in Pacific different than Europe than Europe

• Europe - open fields; townsEurope - open fields; towns• Pacific - islands; beach Pacific - islands; beach

landingslandings• Also fighting in junglesAlso fighting in jungles• Enemy was often hiddenEnemy was often hidden• Japanese dug tunnelsJapanese dug tunnels• U.S. - very slow movingU.S. - very slow moving• Had to clear every inch of Had to clear every inch of

landland• Over time = U.S. moved Over time = U.S. moved

closer to Japan (island-closer to Japan (island-hopping)hopping)

Battle of MidwayBattle of Midway

Battle for Midway Island was the Battle for Midway Island was the turning point in the Pacific turning point in the Pacific (1942)(1942)

Japan planned to trap U.S. Aircraft Japan planned to trap U.S. Aircraft Carriers, but the U.S. was able to Carriers, but the U.S. was able to discover their plans by breaking their discover their plans by breaking their code.code.

Japan lost three Japan lost three aircraft aircraft carrierscarriers (5min) - (5min) - four totalfour total

From that point on Japan was From that point on Japan was mostly defensivemostly defensive

U.S. “island-hopped” closer U.S. “island-hopped” closer and closer to mainland Japanand closer to mainland Japan

Battle for Midway Island was the Battle for Midway Island was the turning point in the Pacific turning point in the Pacific (1942)(1942)

Japan planned to trap U.S. Aircraft Japan planned to trap U.S. Aircraft Carriers, but the U.S. was able to Carriers, but the U.S. was able to discover their plans by breaking their discover their plans by breaking their code.code.

Japan lost three Japan lost three aircraft aircraft carrierscarriers (5min) - (5min) - four totalfour total

From that point on Japan was From that point on Japan was mostly defensivemostly defensive

U.S. “island-hopped” closer U.S. “island-hopped” closer and closer to mainland Japanand closer to mainland Japan

The Last Strong Holds1945

The Last Strong Holds1945

Iwo Jima

Okinawa

Iwo Jima (Feb. 1945)Iwo Jima (Feb. 1945)• U.S. wanted an airbase for U.S. wanted an airbase for

bombing raids on Japan bombing raids on Japan • 11stst - bombed the island; 2 - bombed the island; 2nd -nd -

stormed the beaches stormed the beaches (just like D-(just like D-day)day)

• 25 days - the island 25 days - the island surrenderedsurrendered

• U.S. wanted a launching pad to U.S. wanted a launching pad to invade Japaninvade Japan

• Both sides took heavy Both sides took heavy casualtiescasualties

• Also a naval battleAlso a naval battle• Two months later the island Two months later the island

surrenderedsurrendered

• U.S. wanted an airbase for U.S. wanted an airbase for bombing raids on Japan bombing raids on Japan

• 11stst - bombed the island; 2 - bombed the island; 2nd -nd -

stormed the beaches stormed the beaches (just like D-(just like D-day)day)

• 25 days - the island 25 days - the island surrenderedsurrendered

• U.S. wanted a launching pad to U.S. wanted a launching pad to invade Japaninvade Japan

• Both sides took heavy Both sides took heavy casualtiescasualties

• Also a naval battleAlso a naval battle• Two months later the island Two months later the island

surrenderedsurrendered

Okinawa (April 1945)Okinawa (April 1945)

Iwo Jima

Iwo Jima Flag RaisersIwo Jima Flag Raisers

•Photograph taken on February 23rd, 1945 by Joe Rosenthal.•Depicts 5 marines and a navy corpsman raising the flag atop Mount Suribachi, signifying a U.S. victory.

•A statue memorial in Washington D.C. was created to immortalize (make permanent) the photograph.

Potsdam DeclarationPotsdam Declaration Offered the Japanese a Offered the Japanese a

treaty if they surrendered, treaty if they surrendered, however, the surrender however, the surrender needed to be “unconditional” needed to be “unconditional” or face “total destruction.”or face “total destruction.” Japanese wanted Hirohito to Japanese wanted Hirohito to

be able to keep his throne (like be able to keep his throne (like a god to them).a god to them).

The U.S. said “no”The U.S. said “no” Also, to fight an die as a Also, to fight an die as a

Japanese soldier was the Japanese soldier was the highest honor. Japanese highest honor. Japanese soldiers were trained to fight soldiers were trained to fight to the death!to the death!

Offered the Japanese a Offered the Japanese a treaty if they surrendered, treaty if they surrendered, however, the surrender however, the surrender needed to be “unconditional” needed to be “unconditional” or face “total destruction.”or face “total destruction.” Japanese wanted Hirohito to Japanese wanted Hirohito to

be able to keep his throne (like be able to keep his throne (like a god to them).a god to them).

The U.S. said “no”The U.S. said “no” Also, to fight an die as a Also, to fight an die as a

Japanese soldier was the Japanese soldier was the highest honor. Japanese highest honor. Japanese soldiers were trained to fight soldiers were trained to fight to the death!to the death!

The Atomic BombThe Atomic Bomb• 1939 - Albert Einstein writes 1939 - Albert Einstein writes

letters to FDR commenting letters to FDR commenting that an Atomic Bomb was that an Atomic Bomb was possible.possible.• A bomb, fueled by splitting atoms A bomb, fueled by splitting atoms

of uranium or plutonium, which of uranium or plutonium, which released incredible amounts of released incredible amounts of energy.energy.

• Can be nuclear fission (splitting Can be nuclear fission (splitting atoms) or fusion (combining atoms) or fusion (combining atoms)atoms)

• Little Boy: between 13-18 Kilotons Little Boy: between 13-18 Kilotons of TNTof TNT

• Fat Man: between 21 Kilotons of Fat Man: between 21 Kilotons of TNTTNT

• FDR and Truman put a lot of U.S. FDR and Truman put a lot of U.S. money into the development of money into the development of the bomb (“Manhattan Project”)the bomb (“Manhattan Project”)

• 1939 - Albert Einstein writes 1939 - Albert Einstein writes letters to FDR commenting letters to FDR commenting that an Atomic Bomb was that an Atomic Bomb was possible.possible.• A bomb, fueled by splitting atoms A bomb, fueled by splitting atoms

of uranium or plutonium, which of uranium or plutonium, which released incredible amounts of released incredible amounts of energy.energy.

• Can be nuclear fission (splitting Can be nuclear fission (splitting atoms) or fusion (combining atoms) or fusion (combining atoms)atoms)

• Little Boy: between 13-18 Kilotons Little Boy: between 13-18 Kilotons of TNTof TNT

• Fat Man: between 21 Kilotons of Fat Man: between 21 Kilotons of TNTTNT

• FDR and Truman put a lot of U.S. FDR and Truman put a lot of U.S. money into the development of money into the development of the bomb (“Manhattan Project”)the bomb (“Manhattan Project”)

Little Boy

Fat Man

Little Boy and Fat ManLittle Boy and Fat Man• (Aug. 6, 1945) the first bomb (Aug. 6, 1945) the first bomb

was dropped on was dropped on Hiroshima Hiroshima (bomb #1)(bomb #1)• ““Little-Boy” instantly killed 80,000+ Little-Boy” instantly killed 80,000+

and wounded 35,000+. Eventually and wounded 35,000+. Eventually a total of 130,000 – 150,000 die a total of 130,000 – 150,000 die from the bomb (radiation from the bomb (radiation poisoning).poisoning).

• Japan did not surrenderJapan did not surrender• (Aug. 9, 1945) “Fat-Man” was (Aug. 9, 1945) “Fat-Man” was

dropped on dropped on Nagasaki (bomb #2)Nagasaki (bomb #2)• 40,000+ were killed immediately 40,000+ were killed immediately

(60,000-80,000 in time)(60,000-80,000 in time)• Japan signed the surrender on Sep. Japan signed the surrender on Sep.

2, 19452, 1945

WWII had officially endedWWII had officially ended

• (Aug. 6, 1945) the first bomb (Aug. 6, 1945) the first bomb was dropped on was dropped on Hiroshima Hiroshima (bomb #1)(bomb #1)• ““Little-Boy” instantly killed 80,000+ Little-Boy” instantly killed 80,000+

and wounded 35,000+. Eventually and wounded 35,000+. Eventually a total of 130,000 – 150,000 die a total of 130,000 – 150,000 die from the bomb (radiation from the bomb (radiation poisoning).poisoning).

• Japan did not surrenderJapan did not surrender• (Aug. 9, 1945) “Fat-Man” was (Aug. 9, 1945) “Fat-Man” was

dropped on dropped on Nagasaki (bomb #2)Nagasaki (bomb #2)• 40,000+ were killed immediately 40,000+ were killed immediately

(60,000-80,000 in time)(60,000-80,000 in time)• Japan signed the surrender on Sep. Japan signed the surrender on Sep.

2, 19452, 1945

WWII had officially endedWWII had officially ended

Little Boy

Fat Man

Magic MinuteMagic Minute Mr. Lutz will ask a question and you get 30 seconds to Mr. Lutz will ask a question and you get 30 seconds to

think about a response.think about a response.

Start with person Closest to my desk… when you hear the Start with person Closest to my desk… when you hear the bell, you have 15 seconds to answer the question to the bell, you have 15 seconds to answer the question to the best of your ability. Try to best of your ability. Try to FILL all 15 seconds.FILL all 15 seconds.

When you hear the bell, the person to your left will get 15 When you hear the bell, the person to your left will get 15 seconds (stop mid-sentence).seconds (stop mid-sentence).

You will get 30 minute to reflect on what was said, ask You will get 30 minute to reflect on what was said, ask questions, and add to your chart.questions, and add to your chart.

Mr. Lutz will ask a question and you get 30 seconds to Mr. Lutz will ask a question and you get 30 seconds to think about a response.think about a response.

Start with person Closest to my desk… when you hear the Start with person Closest to my desk… when you hear the bell, you have 15 seconds to answer the question to the bell, you have 15 seconds to answer the question to the best of your ability. Try to best of your ability. Try to FILL all 15 seconds.FILL all 15 seconds.

When you hear the bell, the person to your left will get 15 When you hear the bell, the person to your left will get 15 seconds (stop mid-sentence).seconds (stop mid-sentence).

You will get 30 minute to reflect on what was said, ask You will get 30 minute to reflect on what was said, ask questions, and add to your chart.questions, and add to your chart.

The Great Atomic DebateThe Great Atomic DebateHow can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons

on Japan be on Japan be justifiedjustified??How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons

on Japan be on Japan be justifiedjustified??

The Great Atomic DebateThe Great Atomic DebateHow can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons

on Japan be on Japan be justifiedjustified??Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use

of atomic weapons on Japan?of atomic weapons on Japan?

How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons on Japan be on Japan be justifiedjustified??

Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons on Japan?of atomic weapons on Japan?

The Great Atomic DebateThe Great Atomic DebateHow can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons

on Japan be on Japan be justifiedjustified??Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use

of atomic weapons on Japan?of atomic weapons on Japan?How does the dropping of the A-bombs on How does the dropping of the A-bombs on

Japan impact future global conflicts?Japan impact future global conflicts?

How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons on Japan be on Japan be justifiedjustified??

Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons on Japan?of atomic weapons on Japan?

How does the dropping of the A-bombs on How does the dropping of the A-bombs on Japan impact future global conflicts?Japan impact future global conflicts?

The Great Atomic DebateThe Great Atomic DebateHow can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons

on Japan be on Japan be justifiedjustified??Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use

of atomic weapons on Japan?of atomic weapons on Japan?How does the dropping of the A-bombs on How does the dropping of the A-bombs on

Japan impact future global conflicts?Japan impact future global conflicts?CloserCloser: Fact - The U.S. is the only country to : Fact - The U.S. is the only country to

have used nuclear weapons on another have used nuclear weapons on another country and they are currently a leader in country and they are currently a leader in trying to prevent the use of nuclear weapons trying to prevent the use of nuclear weapons world wide. Discussworld wide. Discuss

How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons How can the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons on Japan be on Japan be justifiedjustified??

Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use Why might some disagree with the U.S.’s use of atomic weapons on Japan?of atomic weapons on Japan?

How does the dropping of the A-bombs on How does the dropping of the A-bombs on Japan impact future global conflicts?Japan impact future global conflicts?

CloserCloser: Fact - The U.S. is the only country to : Fact - The U.S. is the only country to have used nuclear weapons on another have used nuclear weapons on another country and they are currently a leader in country and they are currently a leader in trying to prevent the use of nuclear weapons trying to prevent the use of nuclear weapons world wide. Discussworld wide. Discuss

The Great Atomic Debate

The Great Atomic Debate

• Bomb would be Bomb would be devastating to the devastating to the cities it hitcities it hit

• Bomb would kill Bomb would kill thousands of Japanese thousands of Japanese civilians toocivilians too

• Aftermath of the bomb Aftermath of the bomb = radiation poisoning= radiation poisoning

• ““Opens the book” on Opens the book” on Atomic Weapons and Atomic Weapons and their usetheir use• Are atomic weapons Are atomic weapons

unethical?unethical?

• Bomb would be Bomb would be devastating to the devastating to the cities it hitcities it hit

• Bomb would kill Bomb would kill thousands of Japanese thousands of Japanese civilians toocivilians too

• Aftermath of the bomb Aftermath of the bomb = radiation poisoning= radiation poisoning

• ““Opens the book” on Opens the book” on Atomic Weapons and Atomic Weapons and their usetheir use• Are atomic weapons Are atomic weapons

unethical?unethical?

• Invading Japan would cost Invading Japan would cost thousands/millions of thousands/millions of American lives…American lives…• Also millions of JapaneseAlso millions of Japanese• Bomb would spare US Bomb would spare US

troops; no loss of troops; no loss of American lifeAmerican life

• Land invasion may take Land invasion may take years; bomb could end the years; bomb could end the war immediatelywar immediately

• Japan wouldn’t be able to Japan wouldn’t be able to defend itself against itdefend itself against it

• Would show world American Would show world American military strengthmilitary strength

• Truman put a lot of money Truman put a lot of money into the bomb, and might into the bomb, and might have felt a need to use it.have felt a need to use it.

• Invading Japan would cost Invading Japan would cost thousands/millions of thousands/millions of American lives…American lives…• Also millions of JapaneseAlso millions of Japanese• Bomb would spare US Bomb would spare US

troops; no loss of troops; no loss of American lifeAmerican life

• Land invasion may take Land invasion may take years; bomb could end the years; bomb could end the war immediatelywar immediately

• Japan wouldn’t be able to Japan wouldn’t be able to defend itself against itdefend itself against it

• Would show world American Would show world American military strengthmilitary strength

• Truman put a lot of money Truman put a lot of money into the bomb, and might into the bomb, and might have felt a need to use it.have felt a need to use it.

All that was left was the Japanese Island itself• Should the U.S. attack with a land invasion?• Or use a new top secret weapon under construction – atomic bomb

Don’t Use the Bomb Use the Bomb