In “Hiroshima: Why America Dropped the Atomic Bomb”, author Ronald Takaki brings to light previously unknown or

non-discussed motivations behind the decision to drop the atomic bomb.   He utilizes both secondary and primary

sources, of which some were newly, released documents. 

The book is well written and easily to follow and understand.  Takaki utilizes the evidence he found to construct a solid argument as to why America dropped the atomic bomb.  Takaki focuses on U.S. President Truman.  Takaki states "Truman is the key to understanding why America dropped the bomb on Hiroshima".  Truman’s racism towards blacks, Asians, and Native Americans, along with his desire to overcome a childhood filled with ridicule, fueled his decision to drop the atomic bomb. "Behind Truman’s exterior of confidence and conviction, however, was an intricate personality, driven by an inferiority complex, notions of race, a need to be resolute and masculine, and feelings of ambivalence, as well as remorse,” stated Takaki.

            Takaki also argues through the use of recently de-classified documents that General Dwight Eisenhower, General Douglas MacArthur, and Chief of Staff Admiral William Leahy all agreed that an atomic attack on Japanese cities was unnecessary. They felt that the war would end quickly and that the bomb was not needed.  Takaki argues that Truman knew of this but because of his own desires went ahead with the dropping of the atomic bomb. 

            Takaki’s stance on Truman is clearly one-sided and biased.  Takaki never attempts to look into other motivations behind Truman’s decision other than racism and Truman’s desire to build up his masculinity.  Takaki also attempts to discredit the notion of how many American lives would have been lost during an invasion of mainland Japan.  

All in all the book is still well written and Takaki’s arguments are based in some form of evidence.  While Takaki attempts to encourage and stimulate debate regarding the dropping of the atomic bomb, the book can easily be viewed as a biased attempt to create a revisionist version of history.