Furthermore, Truman may have felt that the use of the atomic bomb was justified as a means of ending the war and preventing further loss of life. The Japanese military was known for its fanatical resistance, and it was believed that an invasion of Japan would result in a protracted and bloody conflict.

Finally, Truman may have felt pressure from his advisors and from the American public to use the atomic bomb. The Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb, had cost billions of dollars and involved the work of thousands of scientists and engineers. Many Americans believed that the investment in the bomb should not be wasted, and that it should be used to bring the war to a swift end.

In the end, Truman made the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing tens of thousands of civilians and bringing an end to the war. The decision remains controversial to this day, with many questioning the morality and necessity of the bombings.