Nuclear weapons have drastically increased in the fifty years surmising the Cold War. They have gradually proliferated around the world and become available to more and more nations. These weapons of mass destruction have been viewed with awe, power, control, victory, death, and evil. Nuclear weapons are viewed in different lights across different audiences. Even in its infant stages its basic intent has been questioned. This can be pungently seen in a comparison between the "Chicago Scientists' Petition to the President, July 17, 1945" and the "White House Press Release on Hiroshima, August 6, 1945." These two articles question the very morality of the use and possession of nuclear weapons.
The "Chicago Scientists' Petition to the President" is a letter written by the developers of the atomic bomb and the letter addresses the President on nuclear weapon possession and use. The letter sets a negative light on nuclear weapons and its usage as it states:
The atomic bombs at our disposal represent only the first step in this direction, and there is almost no limit to the destructive power which will become available in the course of their future development.
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Early weapons models, such as the "Fat Man" bomb, ...
U.S. nuclear warhead stockpile, 1945-2002.Thus a nation which sets the precedent of using these newly liberated forces of nature for purposes of destruction on an unimaginable scale. (63)
The intent of harnessing atomic energy is for the betterment of the world but the scientists have created instead a weapon of mass destruction. The scientists fear their development will eradicate the world. Their intent in this letter is to prevent the President from using the weapon.
The "White House Press Release on Hiroshima" is the President's address to the people of the U.S. after the atomic weapon is used. The President plays upon American sentiments such as Pear Harbor and a race in development of...