Question 11

[fussion_106672]

Hi

I chose answer 1 since the passage did not explicitly mention how Truman delayed the timing of the bomb. He was troubled with the decision but ultimately supported it in the end because it saved more lives than a drawn out war.

Accepted answer was choice 2.

11. The author implies that President Truman's position on the Soviets' intent to enter the war:

1. was positive, since it might lower American casualties.
2. may have influenced the timing of when the A-bomb was used.
3. was negative, Stalin likely supported the Axis powers.
4. was marked by bewilderment and great surprise.

Thanks for the help.

[mcat_premed3832]

It is true that, in the end, Truman may have supported the use of the bomb in part to save more lives than a drawn out war. However, that does not directly relate to the "Soviets' intent to enter war."

Consider the following: "To make matters more complex, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, knowing the outcome in Germany, was free to turn his communist gaze towards Japan." Does that sound like the author is suggesting that the Soviets' presence in the war is positive or negative? "More complex" and "communist gaze" sounds menacing, rather negative.

Now notice the following from P4 and P6: in July, the Soviets suggested that they would enter the war by August 14. Interestingly, the passage suggests that one atomic bomb dropped on August 6 and the 2nd bomb dropped on August 14. Clearly, Truman was trying to finish the war before the Soviets had a chance to get involved.

[dnpgr16513]

Hi,

I'm confused why the answer wouldn't be D. In the explanation, you never really mentioned anything about that answer.

thanks!

[jeanne7524]

Part of the explanation in the answer key goes:

"Consider the following: 'To make matters more complex, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, knowing the outcome in Germany, was free to turn his communist gaze towards Japan.' Does that sound like the author is suggesting that the Soviets' presence in the war is positive or negative? 'More complex' and 'communist gaze' sounds menacing, rather negative."

As for choice D, bewilderment and surprise would connote something positive as opposed to menacing and negative. So, the answer definitely cannot be D.