Part 8/10:
The surrender decision was thus rooted in overwhelming U.S. military superiority and the inevitability of defeat, leading to a cessation of hostilities. Dean draws a moral parallel to current conflicts, such as the ongoing struggles in Gaza. If one starts a war, they cannot credibly complain when they face resistance—whether conventional or asymmetric—fighting for their very existence.
Moral Reflections and Contemporary Parallels
The discussion of Hiroshima reflects a broader debate about morality in warfare. Truman justified the atomic bombs as a means to save lives, estimating that it would prevent hundreds of thousands of American casualties. Critics argue that the true human cost was too high to justify such a weapon, and some question whether the devastation was necessary at all.