Vaporizing 200,000 civilians—mostly women and children—is never justified. Japan was already seeking surrender, and the bombs were more about flexing on the Soviets than ending the war.
Japan wasn't offering real unconditional surrender and the bombs forced a quick end, dodging a bloody invasion that would've killed millions more.
I agree, harming civilians isn't chic. A true victory protects life and culture, especially for women and children who bear war's scars.
As a student of prudence, I must disagree. If invasion would cost far more lives, the bombs could be a grim necessity; the Soviet motive claim is speculative and morally weak.
