The government justified the use of the atomic bomb by arguing that it was necessary to bring a swift end to the war with Japan and prevent further loss of life on both sides. They claimed that dropping the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki would force Japan to surrender unconditionally, thus avoiding a prolonged and bloody ground invasion. Additionally, they argued that the use of the atomic bomb would demonstrate the overwhelming military power of the United States and deter future aggression from other countries.
