Summary of Maddox’ Argument Professor of American history Robert James Maddox made the assertion that it was necessary for the United States government, to give the go signal to drop an atomic bomb on Japan to end World War II. Maddox argued that by releasing the deadly power of the A-bomb on Japanese soil, the Japanese people, and their leaders could visualize the utter senselessness of the war. Maddox asserted that the destructive capability of the atomic bombs forced Hirohito, and other high government officials to seriously consider its impact on the nation’s capital. Maddox also argued that the deadly impact of the atomic bombs provided Emperor Hirohito a solid explanation, as to why it is imperative to end the war as soon as possible. Without the potential impact of an atomic bomb, the Emperor would have a hard time convincing hardliner to lay down their arms. Aside from forcing the hand of the emperor, and the hardliners in the Japanese army, there is another major reason for dropping the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. President Truman was unwilling to authorize a land invasion of Japan. The Battle of Okinawa was a grim reminder of what would happen if American forces decided to send foot soldiers into the heart of the Japanese empire. If Japanese soldiers were willing to give their lives in the defense of a tiny island several kilometers from the Japanese mainland, one can just imagine how far they would go to protect the nation’s capital. Truman saw a way out. He realized that there is no need to sacrifice the lives of American soldiers, in the same way that Roosevelt made the decision to sacrifice the lives of young men when he ordered the invasion of France and Germany. Truman also realized that the American people were battle weary because after almost four years of incessant fighting, American soldiers paid a dear price in fighting the enemy in Europe and the Pacific Islands. But there was no end in sight. One of the most problematic issues in August of 1945 was the realization that even after Nazi Germany was already defeated; the Japanese Imperial army was still willing to go through a protracted war. In addition, the Japanese army was using unconventional tactics that drastically increased war casualties on both sides. Truman was left with no other option, except to drop the A-bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Summary of Hasegawa’s Argument Professor of American history Tsuyoshi Hasegawa argued that there was no need to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. Hasegawa asserted that the entrance of the Soviet Union into the war was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. He said that the A-bomb was not the major reason why the Japanese government surrendered to the United States. Hasegawa bolstered his claim by pointing out several alternatives. He said that there were several roads not taken. Hasegawa contended that if President Truman had no hidden agenda, and if he was willing to work with the Japanese government, he could have ended the war without resorting to nuclear tactics. Hasegawa argued that a compromise in the Potsdam ultimatum could have given the Japanese government a way to save face so to speak, and could have paved the way for an early termination of military conflict in Asia. Hasegawa’s main argument was based on the idea that the Japanese