The Use of Atomic Weapons to End World War II Inquiry

by Ryan Theodoriches, Evergreen School District

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the decision by the United States to use atomic weapons on Japan at the end of World War II. This inquiry relates to the following C3 standards: 

D2.His.16.9-12: Integrate evidence from multiple relevant historical sources and interpretations into a reasoned argument about the past. 

D3.3.9-12: Identify evidence that draws information directly and substantively from multiple sources to detect inconsistencies in evidence in order to revise or strengthen claims.).

The compelling question “Was the Dropping of Atomic Weapons on Japan an Appropriate Use of Force?” asks students to  identify and weigh evidence from multiple primary and secondary sources supplied as well as others found by the student. This inquiry delves into a question that educated and informed scholars have disagreed on for decades.

Students will consider three key questions as they progress through the primary and secondary resource set: 

1. What was the impact of the use of Atomic weapons on Japan?
2. How does the the impact of the use of atomic weapons on Japan compare with other attacks on on civilians during World War II?
3. What reasons are given indicating that the use of atomic weapons on Japan was necessary?
4. What are the reasons the use of atomic weapons on Japan was unjustified?

The PDF of the resource may be downloaded here or may be accessed via the C3 Teachers Website.

Note: though this resource was uploaded to OER Commons by Barbara Soots, the author is Ryan Theodoriches.