Memo from Colonel John Stone to General Arnold, “Groves Project"
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
Memo on Atom Bomb Target Selection
Published By:
Randy Wells
Historical Era:
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
Thinking Skill:
Historical Analysis & Interpretation
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Understanding
Grade Level:
College/University
Suggested Teaching Instructions
This activity is appropriate as an introduction to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the decision that Truman faced during World War II. For junior level college. Approximate time needed is 20 minutes.
It can be done individually, in pairs, or as a full class. Direct students to begin by taking a few minutes to examine the document, then respond to the questions. Ask students to keep their ideas to themselves as they work, and to save their guesses for classroom discussion.
After students have answered all of the analysis questions, ask them to share their answers. Make sure that they point out specific evidence from the document to support their answers before revealing the correct response.
To the extent possible under law, Randy Wells has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Memo on Atom Bomb Target Selection”
Description
In this activity, students will carefully analyze a letter from Colonel John N. Stone to General Henry “Hap” Arnold outlining the details for dropping the newly tested atom bomb. They will determine how the wording in target selection could be used to counter the revisionist argument that the bombs were not a military necessity. Students can also note the mentioning of two key previously-held Japanese islands. Students need to realize the relationship that existed between taking those islands for the fulfillment of the mission.