Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by TeMPOraL 3871 days ago
> i don't think that the US government represented all americans when they decided to drop atomic bombs in 1945

Offtopic but I wish this historical meme would die. Atomic bombs were probably the most humane option that was on the table; if you want to talk about atrocities America inflicted on Japan, let's talk about firebombings.
1 comments
tyrion 3871 days ago
atomic bombs the most humane option? ... Could you elaborate on that?
link
TeMPOraL 3871 days ago
Since backing off the war completely wasn't a realistic option, they basically had a choice between nuking Japan until it surrenders, or prolonging the war on land and sea, and the latter was estimated to take much more lives on both sides.

I'm not saying that the US chose to go with the first option out of altruistic reasons, but dropping the atomic bombs wasn't an atrocity compared with the usual firebombing, and saved a lot of lives that would be lost if the war continued.

link
PauloManrique 3871 days ago
If they invaded the island still in war, more than 20 millions would die as they thought Hirohito was an God.

Dropping the bombs to scare the japanese empire saved tons of lifes.

link