Part A – Investigation Plan This investigation focuses on the use and necessity of the atomic bomb in World War II. To what extent did the atomic bomb dropped by the United States during World War II save human lives? This will be investigated using websites, books, military reports and newspaper articles. Military calculations of what potentially could have happened if the United States had invaded Japan instead of dropping the bomb will be studied. Information from the Manhattan Project, reinterpretations of the event and military strategies of different countries will also be used. The physical effects of the bomb on the victims will also be taken into consideration. Alternative views as to why the bomb was dropped will be discussed. Part B – Summary of Evidence After entering World War II following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States was faced with the burden of fighting two dangerous military powers: Germany and Japan. Germany was developing new secret weapons that could most likely pose a potential threat to the United States. It was reported that German scientists were experimenting with splitting the atom, which would release an enormous amount of energy.1 Whoever succeeded with this tactic would have the power to control the world. After receiving this information, President Harry Truman was shocked. The United States began atomic research shortly thereafter with the help of physicists Leo Szilard and Albert Einstein.2 This effort was code-named the Manhattan Project, and took place at Los Alamos, New Mexico. The project involved more than half a million people working to design and predict the outcomes of an atomic bomb. After spending two billion dollars, a test called Trinity was conducted... middle of paper... a domino effect that began with the surrender of the Japanese, ending World War II and all its casualties. Works Cited1. Blohm, Craig E. "Manhattan Project." Cobblestone May-June 2010: 36+. General reference center. Network. 4 January 2011.2. Clancey, Patrick. "The Effects of the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki."http://www.ibiblio.org. Patrick Clancey HyperWar Foundation, 1946.Web. January 3, 2011.3. Dannen, Gene. "Atomic Bomb: Decision." http://www.dannen.com. Np, August 9, 2003. Web. January 1, 20114. Davis, James Martin. “How the Atomic Bomb Saved 4,000,000 Lives.” http://www.freerepublic.com. Np, 25 September 2006. Web. 4 January 2011.5. Sullivan, Edward T. The Ultimate Weapon. New York: Holiday Home, 2007. Print.6. Sullivan, Edward T. "Edward T. Sullivan-Author." http://www.sully-writer.comWeb. 06 December. 2011.