What would have happened if the US had not dropped the bomb in World War 2?

Answer 1

No one seems to realise that the use of the atom bomb as soon as it was implemented, most likely prevented its use when it would have been totally catastrophic for the entire planet. The main reason why it has never been used in anger ever since, and hopefully never will be, is because of how the human kind has already seen the horrors it causes. Films like "Dr. Strangelove" and "The Day After" may not even have been made, if not for the knowledge of the true consecuences of nuclear war. And man being as man is, if it hadn´t been dropped on a city at its inception, it would have likely been used later on, likely during the cold war, of course resulting in total devastation for all humanity. It may actually have been a blessing to have used it early on, although I wouldn´t say Truman thought this up as he ordered its use. Of course we can never be sure what would have happened if not used as it was. One thing to learn is how events that look terrible from far away in time and space, may have been the best or the only options available at the time.

JCH

Answer 2

Not much.

There is sufficient evidence (and the amount is growing) that the use of the atomic bomb accomplished virtually nothing. The war was nearing its end regardless and there is little to no evidence that the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima or Nagasaki made it end any faster. However, like all aspects of speculative history, everything is just a guess.