Countdown 1945: The Extraordinary Story of the Atomic Bomb and the 116 Days That Changed the World

Analyze Truman’s actions in the days leading up to his decision to drop the bomb. How does he conceive of leadership and his role as president? Do you agree with his style of leadership? Why or why not?

Many of the scientists who developed the bomb began to entertain ethical doubts about its use. How do different scientists frame this dilemma in Countdown 1945? What do their reservations reveal about the nature of nuclear warfare more generally?

Choose one of the civilians that appear in Countdown 1945 and describe how they handled their particular circumstances during the war. How does the inclusion of civilian experiences affect the narrative? What is the relationship between the civilian population and the military?