Thursday February 20 th Riddle of the Day

Thursday, February 20 th Riddle of the Day: What turns everything around, but does not move? LT: Students will analyze different perspectives on the dropping of the atomic bomb. They will compare and contrast these perspectives in a small group. Agenda: 1. Warm Up + Discussion 2. Notes: Background on the Atomic Bomb 3. Read “Historical Narratives” & Answer Questions 4. Document Analysis 5. BREAK 6. Group Discussion – Online Memorial Decision Warm-Up: Can there be multiple interpretations of a historical event? Why or why not? HL: How does the possible existence of multiple perspectives of a historical event influence the way that event is taught/discussed? • “There can/cannot be multiple interpretations of a historical event because ______. ”

Notes: “Background on the Atomic Bomb” • Manhattan Project: – In 1938 many people feared that Hitler would build an atomic bomb after word spread that German scientist had split the uranium atom (fission). – After the persecution of the Jews, many important scientists fled to the US – One scientist, Albert Einstein, urged then president Franklin Roosevelt to develop an atomic bomb before Hitler did. Eventually Roosevelt agreed and the United States attempt at building the atomic bomb was codenamed The Manhattan Project – They tested the bomb in July of 1945: http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Ru 2 PWm. GIo. B 8

Notes: “Background on the Atomic Bomb” • Fighting in the Pacific: –In late spring of 1942, the United States and Japan engaged in a series of naval battles. – Bataan Death March, 1942: 12, 000 Americans walked 60 miles to a POW camp with no food or water. 5, 000 died. – Despite several losses, Japan refused to surrender. – An edict is issued, ordering civilians on the main Japanese islands to construct bamboo spears and meet the invaders on the beaches.

“Two Historical Narratives” Directions: • Each person should have their own packet, with a “Two Historical Narratives” sheet and either a “Japanese Experience Expert” or “American Experience Expert” sheet • After reading, answer the questions at the bottom of the sheet: 1. In 1 -2 sentences each, explain the two narratives about Hiroshima. – “The first/second narrative describes _______. ” 2. Which narrative do you agree with more? Why? – “I agree with _____ because ______. ”

How should we remember the dropping of the atomic bomb? Today, we will analyze documents, discuss with persons of different perspectives, and interpret images, in order to answer the question above. At the end of class, your group will select an image that you would have featured on a website commemorating the dropping of the atomic bomb.

Document Analysis: • In your groups, you should have two packets of documents. • By yourself, or with a partner, you will explore the documents as either: – “Japanese Experience Expert, ” read the documents and find evidence for why it was wrong to drop the atomic bomb – “American Experience Expert, ” read the documents and find evidence for why it was right to drop the atomic bomb **You must complete your own worksheet.

Document Analysis: • We will read Document A together • Below, are listed some possible main points to take down for either perspective. “Japanese Experience Expert” – Why was it the wrong decision to drop the atomic bomb? “American Experience Expert” – Why was it the right decision to drop the atomic bomb? • Innocent civilians were killed indiscriminately • There were better options available to the United States, such as an economic blockade or conventional bombing • Japan needed to be shocked into surrendering • American lives were saved, that would have been lost from a land invasion

Hiroshima 90, 000 to 100, 000 persons were killed immediately - 145, 000 persons perish from the bombing by the end of 1945. - Nagasaki Leveled Area: 6. 7 million square meters Damaged Houses: 18, 409 Casualties Killed------73, 884 Injured-----74, 909 Total------148, 793 (Large numbers of people died in the following years from the effects of radioactive poisoning. )

Online Memorial Decision: Directions: • Back in your groups of four, complete the “Online Memorial Decision” worksheet 1. Write down which topic your group focused on 2. Discuss with the other group – What were the main arguments they found for or against dropping the atomic bomb? 3. Select an image to commemorate this event on an imaginary United Nations website 4. Select a caption for this image – What words would you like to accompany this image? 5. Explain why you selected this image **Each person must submit their own answers, but you may discuss share the same answers with your group members.