During the latter stages of World War II, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan. On August 6, 1945, America dropped the first nuclear weapon ever used in war, an atomic bomb named the “Little Boy.” It killed approximately eighty thousand people, not including the number who died from radiation exposure. Then, on August 9, 1945, America dropped its second atomic bomb called “Fatman,” which killed approximately forty thousand people. The dropping of the atomic bombs led Emperor Hirohito to announce Japan's surrender in the war on August 15, 1945. "Why We Dropped the Bomb", written by Gar Alperovitz, discusses the use of the atomic bombs, why they were used and how they helped. America gains political power. “Thank God for the Atomic Bomb” written by Paul Fussel explains how the atomic bombs were used to save lives against the Japanese. Gar Alperovitz's article is more compelling than Paul Fussel's because he provides facts and examples that help us understand why America used the atomic bomb and how it contributed to America's political status. Alperovitz's article "Why We Dropped the Bomb" discusses the reasons. why the United States actually dropped the atomic bomb and whether or not it was used for political power. Alperovitz uses quotes and examples to prove that dropping the atomic bomb was not necessary. Alperovitz cites Eisenhower's view that dropping the bomb was "totally unnecessary" (Alperovitz 1976). The author cites government officials to demonstrate that the use of the atomic bomb was unnecessary. Alperovitz quotes General Eisenhower expressing his opinion to the Secretary of War: “I told him I was against it for two reasons. First, the Japanese were ready... middle of paper ......r so you really understand how important dropping the bomb was. He writes: “In general, the principle is that the further one is from the scene of horror, the easier it is to speak” (Fussel 1988). In conclusion, Fussel uses examples of "war culture" to justify the American decision to drop the bomb and he uses statistics without any real supporting evidence. Gar Alperovitz's "Why We Dropped the Bomb" is a much stronger argument than Gar Alperovitz's. “Thank God for the Atomic Bomb” by Paul Fussel because of its reliable information backed by facts and evidence. Fussel uses statistics that contain no evidence or context. He uses examples of Japanese cruelty to justify the murder of thousands of people using the atomic bomb. Alperovitz's argument is compelling in its formal tone and uses facts instead of personal opinions and calculations..