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General George Marshall and the Atomic Bomb: A Hidden History

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General George C. Marshall and the Atomic Bomb

by Frank Settle

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2411 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	262 pages

General George Marshall was the United States Army Chief of Staff during World War II and the first Secretary of Defense. He was also deeply involved in the development of the atomic bomb.

In this book, author John Prados tells the story of Marshall's role in the atomic bomb project, from his early support for the project to his later decision to drop the bombs on Japan.

Prados draws on extensive research, including interviews with Marshall's colleagues and family members, to provide a nuanced and complex portrait of the man who played a central role in one of the most consequential decisions in history.

Marshall's Early Support for the Atomic Bomb Project

Marshall was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the atomic bomb project. He believed that the bomb could be a decisive weapon in the war against Japan, and he was willing to provide the resources necessary to develop it.

In 1942, Marshall established the Manhattan Project, the top-secret research and development program that produced the atomic bomb. He appointed Major General Leslie Groves to lead the project, and he gave Groves broad authority to do whatever was necessary to get the job done.

Marshall's support for the atomic bomb project was based on his belief that it could save American lives. He knew that the war against Japan was going to be long and bloody, and he believed that the atomic bomb could end the war quickly and with minimal casualties.

Marshall's Decision to Drop the Bombs on Japan

In July 1945, the United States had developed two atomic bombs. President Harry Truman asked Marshall for his advice on whether or not to use them against Japan.

Marshall was deeply conflicted about the decision. He knew that the atomic bombs would cause terrible destruction and suffering, but he also believed that they could save American lives.

In the end, Marshall recommended that Truman use the atomic bombs. He believed that the bombs would end the war quickly and with minimal casualties, and he was willing to accept the moral consequences of using them.

On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki.

The atomic bombs killed hundreds of thousands of people and caused widespread destruction. However, they also brought an end to the war against Japan and saved countless American lives.

Marshall's Legacy

General George Marshall was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant military strategist, but he was also willing to make difficult decisions that had far-reaching consequences.

Marshall's decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan remains one of the most controversial decisions in American history. However, it is important to remember that Marshall made the decision based on his belief that it was the best way to end the war and save American lives.

Marshall's legacy is a mixed one. He was a brilliant military strategist who helped lead the United States to victory in World War II. However, he was also responsible for the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan, a decision that remains controversial to this day.

General George C. Marshall and the Atomic Bomb

by Frank Settle

5 out of 5