The POTUS Timeline
Military Action

Truman authorizes use of the atomic bomb against Japan

On July 25, 1945, following the successful Trinity test and discussions at Potsdam, President Truman authorized the War Department to employ the new atomic weapon against selected Japanese targets when military conditions permitted.

This authorization directly set the policy and operational preparations that led to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August, decisively shaping the end of World War II and beginning the nuclear era.

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