Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Rules of War: Choices: Truman, Hirohito, and the Atomic Bomb
Lesson and activity on rules of war and the decision to drop the atomic bomb during WWII.
Other
Nuclearfiles.org: Chronology on Decision to Bomb
This detailed chronology of the events and communication of 1945-1946 shows Truman's role in the process of the decision to drop the world's first atomic bomb used in warfare upon Hiroshima and then the second upon Nagasaki. Also...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Manhattan Project and the Atomic Bomb
Discusses the Manhattan Project of the United States which worked on developing nuclear weapons during World War II. It led to the two atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan in August 1945, ending the war with Japan.
Other
Nuclearfiles.org: Truman and the Atom Bomb
Read background information about Harry Truman and the development of the atomic bomb prior to his presidency. Includes excerpts from official documents and conversations during the Truman Administration.
National Cable Satellite Corporation
C Span Classroom: World War Ii the Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb
This video provides Lt. Col. Grant Weller, who describes the decision of the United States to use the atomic bomb on Japan to end World War II. Student questions are provided to assess their understanding of the information.
Other
Atomic Bomb: Decision
An indexing page which links to several pages of letters, diary excerpts, public reports, and personal correspondence relating to the use of the first atomic bomb. Includes letters and petitions drafted by scientists involved with the...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Truman: Foreign Affairs
This site gives a great overview of the early Cold War under President Truman. Describes relations with the Soviet Union, the atomic bomb, actions in western Europe, and the Korean War. A great piece that gives the reader a fantastic...
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Tpml: Truman and the Bomb, a Documentary History
This site offers a comprehensive list of primary source documents from Harry S. Truman regarding the Potsdam Conference and decision to use atomic weapons.
Digital History
Digital History: The Decision to Drop the Bomb [Pdf]
The day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt gave the go-ahead to scientists to develop an atomic bomb. This site gives a good overview of the war in the Pacific against Japan, the increasing successes of the...
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Truman Biography
A very easy-to-read biographical sketch of Harry S. Truman. Includes suggestions for further reading.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: The Atomic Bomb
Provides interesting information, history, and facts on the Atomic Bomb and its use during WWII.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Hiroshima and the Atomic Bomb
Discussion of the effects of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and the end of World War II.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Little Boy Dropped on Hiroshima
This site has information about the atomic bomb which was dropped on Hiroshima. Pictures of Hiroshima after the bomb and the mushroom cloud are included.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
University of Missouri Columbia: Truman and the Bomb
This site from the University of Missouri-Columbia offers a comprehensive list of primary source documents from Truman regarding the Potsdam Conference and decision to use atomic weapons.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Decision to Drop the Bomb
Was it necessary to drop the atomic bomb on Japan in order to save lives? Were the consequences worse than the waiting for a surrender of Japan? Read this discussion of the decision to drop the bomb, find out about the possible motives...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: You Decide: The Atom Bomb
In the final days of World War II, the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Was President Truman correct in his decision? Compare your response to others.
The White House
The White House: Biography of Harry S. Truman
Biography provides interesting facts about the thirty-third president of the United States, Harry S. Truman. A black and white photograph is included.
Other
Mr. Dowling's Passport: Harry Truman's Decision
Read about Harry Truman and his decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan which ultimately ended World War II.
PBS
Pbs: Atomic Bomb
Extensive treatment of PBS movie "Race for the Superbomb". Includes timeline, maps, special features, and teacher's guide. Extensive links to people and events.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Truman 4 Kids
A great place for young students to start learning about the life of President Harry S Truman. Find out what he was like as a kid.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
Everything you wanted to know and more about Harry S. Truman, from biographical information to love letters.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: The Development and Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Read about how the atomic bomb was first developed, starting the nuclear arms race. As nuclear weapons proliferated, so did apprehension. A Non-Proliferation Treaty was released in 1968, and governments began to sign on to it. Green...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: A Biography of America: The Fifties 1945 1960
World War II ends with the legacy of its final moment: the atomic bomb. After reading comprehensive background material, interactive feature lets you decide if President Truman was correct in his decision to drop atomic bombs on...
Digital History
Digital History: The Aftermath of the Decision [Pdf]
A touching and horrifying description of the devastation caused by the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which brought about the surrender of Japan in World War II. Suggested student exercises accompany the information....