The sacrifice for peace
How can the bombing of Japan not be justified? The atomic bomb not only served to end the war sooner, but also was used to punish Japan, and prevent the needless deaths of many more people. Thus, it was politically, morally, and militarily justified. After years of intense war, it is unquestionable that civilians would want the war to end as soon as possible. Had the atomic bomb not been used, the war may have lasted several more months, perhaps even years (http://www.loc.gov). By 1945, many countries knew about the American “Manhattan Project” (production of the atomic bomb) (http://www.me.utexas.edu), and were developing their own atomic bomb. Had the war lasted longer, other countries would have developed the bomb, and a nuclear war might occur – that has to be avoided at all costs (http://www.changingthetimes.co.uk). War is like a black hole on our economy. Over a 4-year period the United States alone spent $341 billion, and Japan had spent roughly $200 billion on the war (http://ww3.nekesc.org). If the war had continued, at least another $50 billion would be drained; this will have critical effects on the government, and thus, the civilians.