Would fdr have dropped the bomb?

Would FDR Have Dropped the Bomb?

The question of whether President Franklin D. Roosevelt would have ordered the atomic bombing of Japan is a topic of much debate among historians and scholars. The decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively, was ultimately made by President Harry S. Truman, who inherited the presidency from Roosevelt following his death on April 12, 1945.

The Context: FDR’s War Aims

To understand Roosevelt’s potential stance on dropping the atomic bomb, it is essential to examine his war aims and policies. Roosevelt’s primary goal in World War II was to defeat Nazi Germany and secure a post-war world dominated by the United States and its allies. He also sought to prevent the Soviet Union from expanding its sphere of influence in Eastern Europe and to promote democracy and self-determination.

In the Pacific, Roosevelt was determined to defeat Japan and secure a lasting peace in the region. He envisioned a post-war Japan as a constitutional monarchy, with a limited military and economic role, and a US-Japan alliance to ensure regional stability.

The Atomic Bomb: A Strategic Asset

Roosevelt was aware of the Manhattan Project, the secret government initiative to develop an atomic bomb, and its potential to significantly alter the outcome of the war. In 1944, Roosevelt met with General Henry Stimson, the US Secretary of War, to discuss the project’s progress and the potential use of the bomb. Although Roosevelt did not explicitly ask Stimson to prepare options for using the bomb, he demonstrated a keen interest in the project’s progress and its potential impact on the war.

Alternatives to the Bomb: Invasion and Blockade

Roosevelt and his military advisors considered alternative options to defeat Japan, including invasion and blockade. An invasion of mainland Japan, known as Operation Downfall, was planned for November 1945, but it would have been a costly and bloody endeavor, with estimates of up to 1 million Allied casualties.

A blockade, which would have isolated Japan and starved the population, was also an option. However, Roosevelt was wary of the humanitarian consequences and the potential for Japan to continue fighting.

Roosevelt’s Policy on Japan

Roosevelt’s policy on Japan was shaped by his views on the country’s imperialism, militarism, and the need for a permanent peace in the region. He believed that Japan needed to be defeated and transformed to prevent future aggression.

In a 1943 speech, Roosevelt said: "We must treat the Japanese as we treat the Germans, and this means that we must show them that we are just as determined to win this war as we are determined to win the war in Europe."

Roosevelt also believed that a post-war Japan should be demilitarized, with a limited military and a focus on economic reconstruction.

Conclusion: What Would FDR Have Done?

Based on available evidence, it is difficult to say with certainty what Roosevelt would have done regarding the atomic bombing of Japan. However, several points can be made:

• Roosevelt would have likely considered alternative options: Given his concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the bomb and the potential for Japan to continue fighting, Roosevelt might have explored other options, such as invasion, blockade, or diplomatic negotiations.
• Roosevelt would have prioritized a post-war Japan: Roosevelt’s goal was to defeat Japan and secure a lasting peace in the region. He would have likely been interested in using the bomb to bring a swift and decisive end to the war, rather than risking an invasion or blockade.
• Roosevelt might have used the bomb, but with caution: Given the bomb’s devastating impact, Roosevelt might have hesitated to use it unless he believed it was absolutely necessary to achieve his goals. He might have demanded more assurances from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and military leaders before giving the final order.

Table: Roosevelt’s War Aims and Policies

In conclusion, while it is impossible to know for certain what FDR would have done regarding the atomic bombing of Japan, it is likely that he would have considered alternative options and prioritized a post-war Japan.