After World War II, public opinion about using atomic bombs underwent a significant evolution. Initially, there was some support for the use of the bomb as a necessary measure to end the war quickly and save lives that would have been lost in an Allied land invasion of Japan. This sentiment was reinforced by official narratives that portrayed the decision to drop the bomb as a carefully considered choice made with sagacious care. However, doubts began to emerge as more information about the devastating effects of nuclear warfare became known.
Key events such as John Hersey's article "Hiroshima" in The New Yorker awakened many Americans to the horrors unleashed by the atomic bombings. As these stories circulated and more details came to light, there was a growing sense of unease and regret over the use of such destructive weapons on civilian populations. Public figures like J. Robert Oppenheimer also spoke out against nuclear warfare, further influencing public opinion towards viewing atomic bombs as inherently evil instruments.