The Big Question: Was it right?

As our unit on Barefoot Gen and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan in 1945 comes to an end, we are left pondering a very important questions that circles around this issue no matter where and when you study it: Was the United States right in dropping atomic weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to bring an end to WWII? While for many the answer to this question seems an obvious yes, upon closer inspection of the historical facts and context of the decision, it is not so simple. Was the bomb the only way to convince Japan to surrender? Were there other options? Is it ever ok to target civilians in war? These questions are ones we still grapple with today which makes the discussion of this event in history and this question important.

Students in this class will begin our look at this question with a unique assignment. The class has been divided (ideologically) into two camps. One group that sees the dropping of the bomb as a just and necessary action while the other views it as an immoral act that wan't necessary. These two groups will compete by creating websites using the New Google Sites that not only clearly state their position and main arguments, but also a rebuttal of the other side's arguments. These websites are then meant kick start an informed discussion/debate in the classroom at the end of the unit. I am sure more than a few minds will be changed in the end.

Details of the assignment can be found in the document below for those interested. I will post links to the students' websites when they are finished in a couple of weeks.