Debate on the Use of Atomic Bombs in World War II

The bombing of Japan during World War II has been the subject of much debate. The US had invested heavily in creating atomic bombs and was determined to use them. The question was how they would be used - on population centers or as a demonstration. There was also a debate about surrender conditions. In the end, the bombs may have only accelerated the end of the war by a few weeks or a month. Some argue that the bombing of Hiroshima was necessary to showcase the power of this new weapon.