Project Instructions

Researching & Presenting an Argument: Dropping of the Atomic Bomb

Background Information:

More than half a century had passed since that summer in 1945 when President Harry Truman made the decision to drop an atomic bomb on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The years have brought knowledge and perspectives unavailable to Truman and other decision makers of that time. During these years three main interpretations have emerged:

One interpretation is that Truman and Stinson were correct in their idea that the bombings were necessary to end the war and save American lives. According to this view, these were the only significant motives of those who ordered the bombings of Hiroshima, three days later, Nagasaki.

Another interpretation is that dropping the bomb was unnecessary, even immoral. People holding this view argued that while Truman and the others were honest, they were also naïve; they failed to take into account the long-term effects of dropping the bomb, such as the arms race and the Cold War.

A third group also saw the bombings as unnecessary and unwise. In addition, they said that Truman and his advisors had ulterior motives; that they engaged in “atomic diplomacy.” They used the bombings to try to intimidate the Soviets. As a result, said this group, they failed to consider alternatives to dropping the bomb.

Focus Question: Was America Justified in Dropping the Atomic Bombs?
(Keep in mind that the bombs were two different incidences with different
motives and effects)

Assignment:

Research, analyze, and present primary sources (first-hand account-i.e. diary entries, interviews, photos) that help bring a better understanding to President Truman’s decision to drop the Atomic Bombs on Japan. Create a visual presentation in the form of a Blog to display your findings and your evaluation of which of the three interpretations, according to your group, described above is closest to the truth. You and your partner will build a Blog using either Word Press at http://www.wordpress.com or Blog Spot at http://www.blogspot.com

Project Overview:

-You will work in groups of 2

-Your group will write a compound thesis statement that answers the focus question

-Your group will post your thesis statement on the U.S. History blog for edits prior to turning it in on the final project

-You will be responsible for completing: two (2) unique Blog pages each, a works cited page together, and a “Who Done It” page together (6 pages total)

Project Requirements:

1.  Thesis Statement: Your group will write a compound thesis statement that clearly takes one of two positions: 1) The United States was justified BECAUSE… 2) The United States was unjustified BECAUSE… answering the focus question and a snapshot of the argument you will defend in your presentation (stick to your thesis throughout your presentation!)

2.  Thesis Edit: Post  your thesis statement on the U.S. History class Blog at: www.dhhsushistory.blogspot.com  Due: Monday, February 20 at 8:00pm.

3.  Blog: Key excerpts should be highlighted or otherwise noted along with your analysis of them. Include photographs with captions, quotes, arguments in support of your thesis including: media sources, and other critical data (graphs, charts, studies, letters,  interviews, video, photos, etc.)

Six (6) Page Blog:
Page 1: An introductory home page with your thesis and abstract (summary)
Pages 2-4: At least 3 additional pages with supporting evidence and visuals 
                organized (concrete examples) by topic:
       - A Media Page (newspapers, video, radio broadcasts, magazines, etc)
       - An Artifacts Page (pictures, letters, government documents, notices, acts, diary entries, poems, etc)
       - A Visuals Page (visuals that reflect the thesis statement your group chose with captions
Page 5: A works cited page with at least 2 working hyperlinks to outside website
Page 6: A “Who Done It” page


NOTE: All concrete evidence displayed on your blog must be annotated

NOTE: No YouTube Videos allowed unless you EMBED onto the page

4.  Include a “Who Done It” page showing the dynamics of your

      group work (specifically which pages were done by whom?)

5.  Cite Your Sources using APA Format  (see blog for format: www.dhhsushistory.blogspot.com)

             

Primary Sources that support your group assertion (18 minimum)

Research your sources using each of the following resources:

·    Link to appropriate outside webpages (minimum 2 links)

·    Media (newspaper, newsreel, radio broadcast) (minimum 6 media)

·    Primary Source Artifacts (letters, diary entries, photographs, interviews) (minimum 6 documents) plus (minimum 6 visuals)

You will not repeat information that a group member has already covered…
Work together as a group on the final product!

Evaluation:

Projects will be evaluated based upon the depth, breadth, and appropriateness of the research and analysis in the presentation.  See attached Grading rubric.  Any inappropriate material or comments in blogging will result in a zero on the project.  NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED!

Project Due Date:       Monday, March 5th at 8:00pm        Points: 100