Historical Context Chart: Truman’s Decision and its Influence in American Policy

HIS 100 Theme 3: Learning Block 5-3 Historical Context Chart
Prompt: To understand your topic, it is important to understand what the world was like at that time. First, list your research topic, the revised research question you plan to address moving forward, and your current thesis statement. Then, choose two secondary sources related to your research topic and provide the citation for each in the chart below. You may use secondary sources from previous assignments.Next, explain in the chart what the source tells you about the historical context behind your topic. In the last chart column, explain how the context provided by the source will help you revise your currentthesis statement, answering your research question.
Historical Context Chart
Research Topic: The Decision to Drop the A-Bomb
Selected Revised Research Questionfrom 4-2-1:
What influenced Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb and how this influenced American policy?
Current Thesis Statement: Rewrite your current thesis statement here
There were political and military considerations to drop the A-bomb and this influenced domestic policy during and after WWII.
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Secondary Source Citation

Historical Context of Event

Support Your Thesis Statement

First secondary source citation
Alperovitz, G., Messer, R. L., & Bernstein, B. J. (1991). Marshall, Truman, and the decision to drop the bomb. International Security, 16(3), 204-221.

What does this source tell you about the historical context behind your topic?
The authors pointed out that the geopolitical motives mostly influenced the decision to drop the bomb with the political aim being to contain the Soviet power and the military objective was subduing Japan. Alperovitz argues that the US foreign policy makers and military leaders wanted to show America’s predominance allowing the US to dictate terms from a position of strength. Thus, the use of the A-bomb showed America’s technological advancement and military strength, and some policy makers hopped that the Soviets would agree to containment.
Bernstein like other orthodox historians held a different view and his analysis of statements and actions of the leaders emphasizes that America was interested in ending World War II. Containing the Soviets in the far east and dealing wi...