Was the U.S. Justified in Using the Atomic Bomb?
Was the U.S. Justified in Using the Atomic Bomb?
Socratic Seminar Discussion Questions
History is full of debatable positions and controversy. During the Socratic seminar you will be required to participate directly in at least 1 of the following discussions and take notes on the rest. You will have the opportunity to give indirect feedback on all of these topics and to discuss topics you are most passionate about. Keep these ideas and questions in mind as you read and prepare. The focus of the Socratic Seminar will be on your ability to analyze and critique these controversial ideas with historical logic and support from the readings and outside academic researchnotsolely what your opinion is about them.
- These two authors provide drastically different interpretations of the same event…How do you explain this? Why is understanding the perspective of an author important when studying History?
- Tucker describes a strong enemy ready to fight and Alperovitz describes a weak enemy on the verge of collapse. Which do you believe? Why?
- What are the most compelling reasons that support the use of the Atomic bomb against Japan?
- Spencer Tucker makesthe argument that the bomb saved both Japanese and American lives. What do you think about this argument?
- What are the most compelling arguments against using the Atomic bomb against Japan?
- Gar Alperovitz used many quotations from Generals and military leaders. How convincing are these opinions?
Was the United States justified in its use of the Atomic Bomb?
Was the U.S. Justified in Using the Atomic Bomb?
Socratic Seminar Discussion Questions
History is full of debatable positions and controversy. During the Socratic seminar you will be required to participate directly in at least 1 of the following discussions and take notes on the rest. You will have the opportunity to give indirect feedback on all of these topics and to discuss topics you are most passionate about. Keep these ideas and questions in mind as you read and prepare. The focus of the Socratic Seminar will be on your ability to analyze and critique these controversial ideas with historical logic and support from the readings and outside academic researchnot solely what your opinion is about them.
- These two authors provide drastically different interpretations of the same event…How do you explain this? Why is understanding the perspective of an author important when studying History?
- Tucker describes a strong enemy ready to fight and Alperovitz describes a weak enemy on the verge of collapse. Which do you believe? Why?
- What are the most compelling reasons that support the use of the Atomic bomb against Japan?
- Spencer Tucker makesthe argument that the bomb saved both Japanese and American lives. What do you think about this argument?
- What are the most compelling arguments against using the Atomic bomb against Japan?
- Gar Alperovitz used many quotations from Generals and military leaders. How convincing are these opinions?
Was the United States justified in its use of the Atomic Bomb?