3
QuizMultiple Choice

Turning Points in the Pacific

Question 3 • EAP-Virginia and US History B CR

Which of the following arguments decided the debate over using the atomic bomb against Japan in 1945?

Answer
A
Using the bomb would destroy the armaments still available to Japanese forces in Japan.
B
Using the bomb would demonstrate the power of the United States to the entire world.
C
Using the bomb would shorten the war and avoid heavy casualties among invading troops.
D
Using the bomb would enable Allied forces to invade and take over the Japanese mainland.

Explanation

The argument most often cited as decisive was that using the atomic bomb could force Japan to surrender quickly and avoid the enormous casualties expected in a conventional invasion. Choice C states this reasoning: shortening the war and sparing invading troops. The bomb did not enable an invasion; it was used in part to avoid one.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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