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The Most Awful Responsibility: The Most Awful Responsibility
President Truman’s choice to drop the atomic bomb is the most debated decision in the 20th Century. But what if Truman’s actual decision wasn’t what everyone thinks it was?
Eight decades after the bombing of Hiroshima, the conventional narrative is that American leaders had a choice: Invade Japan, which would have cost millions of Allied and Japanese lives, or use the atom bomb in the hopes of convincing Japan to surrender. Truman, the story goes, carefully weighed the pros and cons before deciding that the atomic bomb would be used against Japanese cities, as the lesser of two evils.
But nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein argues that is not what happened. Not only did Truman not take part in the decision to use the bomb, but the one major decision that he did make was a very different one — one that he himself did not fully understand until after the atomic bomb was used. And the weight of that decision, and that misunderstanding, became the major reason that atomic bombs have not been used again since World War II.
Based on a close reading of the historical record, The Most Awful Responsibility argues that despite his reputation as an ardent defender of the use of the atomic bomb, Truman was in fact deeply antagonistic to nuclear weapons, associating them primarily with the “murder” and “slaughter” of innocent civilians, believing that they never should be used again, and hoping that they would, in his lifetime, possibly be outlawed. Wellerstein makes a startling case that Truman was possibly the most anti-nuclear American president of the twentieth century, but whose ambitions in this area were strongly constrained by the domestic and international politics of the postwar world.
This book is a must-read for all who want to truly understand not only why the bomb was dropped on Japan, but also why it has not been used since.
Eight decades after the bombing of Hiroshima, the conventional narrative is that American leaders had a choice: Invade Japan, which would have cost millions of Allied and Japanese lives, or use the atom bomb in the hopes of convincing Japan to surrender. Truman, the story goes, carefully weighed the pros and cons before deciding that the atomic bomb would be used against Japanese cities, as the lesser of two evils.
But nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein argues that is not what happened. Not only did Truman not take part in the decision to use the bomb, but the one major decision that he did make was a very different one — one that he himself did not fully understand until after the atomic bomb was used. And the weight of that decision, and that misunderstanding, became the major reason that atomic bombs have not been used again since World War II.
Based on a close reading of the historical record, The Most Awful Responsibility argues that despite his reputation as an ardent defender of the use of the atomic bomb, Truman was in fact deeply antagonistic to nuclear weapons, associating them primarily with the “murder” and “slaughter” of innocent civilians, believing that they never should be used again, and hoping that they would, in his lifetime, possibly be outlawed. Wellerstein makes a startling case that Truman was possibly the most anti-nuclear American president of the twentieth century, but whose ambitions in this area were strongly constrained by the domestic and international politics of the postwar world.
This book is a must-read for all who want to truly understand not only why the bomb was dropped on Japan, but also why it has not been used since.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published December 9, 2025
62 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Alex Wellerstein
3 books25 followersAlex Wellerstein is an Associate Professor in the Science and Technology Studies program in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. As of 2025, he is also a visiting researcher at the Nuclear Knowledges program , at the Center for International Studies , at Sciences Po , in Paris, France.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 23, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper for an advance copy of this book that looks at one of the most momentous and world altering decisions made in this century, a decision made in haste, lacking complete information, but one that has cast a shadow over the world for the last eighty years.
The hardest decision I was ever a part of was when my family decided to remove my father from life support. We did this fully informed of the consequences, and though many offered their suggestions and ideas, the final decision came down to the three of us, my mother, my brother and I. We know this was for the best, and went forward, sad of course, but sure that we were doing the right thing. I thought of this often while reading this book. What my family did was something that really effected our lives, but again we know the options, and what the result would be. I can't imagine making a decision that basically doomed so many to die, to change the world in so many ways, without knowing everything about it. However, that seems to have happened during the dropping of the first nuclear weapons on Japan, a decision made by a president who had much on his plate, few trusted advisors, and little understanding of what was being asked of him. Though it seems he learned from his mistake, which is some comfort for the world that followed. The Most Awful Responsibility: Truman and the Secret Struggle for Control of the Atomic Age by Alex Wellerstein is a book about power, responsibility, the power of the atom, and how one man influenced the decisions behind the use of atomic power.
Harry Truman was never really the first choice for Vice President of the United States, but he was a man known for honesty, and for being a relatively decent man. This did nothing to gain him access to the President Franklin Roosevelt, who kept him at a distance, trusting his own advisors, and trusted confidents. An odd decisions as Roosevelt even to those trusted men, was a man in ill health, with a War to win. Truman knew little of what was happening in the War, the policies being thought about for after the war, and only an inkling of what was happening in the development of a superweapon that could change everything. Upon the death of Roosevelt, Truman was suddenly placed in absolute power, surrounded by the people who had kept him away from access. The decision to drop the atomic bomb was one presented to him quickly, among other meetings, a quick lesson about atom splitting, sites chosen to bomb, and what could and could not happen. Truman accepted the blame for dropping the bomb, and learned from his haste, crafting policy about the use of nuclear weapons that might have kept us from making similar mistakes.
I have read much about Truman, the second World War, and thought I knew the much about the planning and use of atomic weapons on Japan. I was wrong. This is a fascinating look at a momentous event, an event little understood by the people involved. Wellerstein is a very good writer, able to write clearly about policy, politics, the lives of the people involved and of course about the science of atom splitting. Wellerstein is a also a very good researcher, finding documents, statements, diaries and more backing his argument that Truman was kept in the dark about what Hiroshima was, Truman thought the first bomb was to be used on a military site. Wellerstein also looks at what happens next, the people that began to form nuclear policy, the civilian control and Truman's use of power to make sure that what happened, could not happen again. Especially with the proliferation of atomic weapons, that happened.
A really interesting book, one that I quite enjoyed as I learned so much. A book that made me think quite a bit about what I thought was history, and even in how decisions are made. This is the first book I have read by Alex Wellerstein, but I look forward to more.
The hardest decision I was ever a part of was when my family decided to remove my father from life support. We did this fully informed of the consequences, and though many offered their suggestions and ideas, the final decision came down to the three of us, my mother, my brother and I. We know this was for the best, and went forward, sad of course, but sure that we were doing the right thing. I thought of this often while reading this book. What my family did was something that really effected our lives, but again we know the options, and what the result would be. I can't imagine making a decision that basically doomed so many to die, to change the world in so many ways, without knowing everything about it. However, that seems to have happened during the dropping of the first nuclear weapons on Japan, a decision made by a president who had much on his plate, few trusted advisors, and little understanding of what was being asked of him. Though it seems he learned from his mistake, which is some comfort for the world that followed. The Most Awful Responsibility: Truman and the Secret Struggle for Control of the Atomic Age by Alex Wellerstein is a book about power, responsibility, the power of the atom, and how one man influenced the decisions behind the use of atomic power.
Harry Truman was never really the first choice for Vice President of the United States, but he was a man known for honesty, and for being a relatively decent man. This did nothing to gain him access to the President Franklin Roosevelt, who kept him at a distance, trusting his own advisors, and trusted confidents. An odd decisions as Roosevelt even to those trusted men, was a man in ill health, with a War to win. Truman knew little of what was happening in the War, the policies being thought about for after the war, and only an inkling of what was happening in the development of a superweapon that could change everything. Upon the death of Roosevelt, Truman was suddenly placed in absolute power, surrounded by the people who had kept him away from access. The decision to drop the atomic bomb was one presented to him quickly, among other meetings, a quick lesson about atom splitting, sites chosen to bomb, and what could and could not happen. Truman accepted the blame for dropping the bomb, and learned from his haste, crafting policy about the use of nuclear weapons that might have kept us from making similar mistakes.
I have read much about Truman, the second World War, and thought I knew the much about the planning and use of atomic weapons on Japan. I was wrong. This is a fascinating look at a momentous event, an event little understood by the people involved. Wellerstein is a very good writer, able to write clearly about policy, politics, the lives of the people involved and of course about the science of atom splitting. Wellerstein is a also a very good researcher, finding documents, statements, diaries and more backing his argument that Truman was kept in the dark about what Hiroshima was, Truman thought the first bomb was to be used on a military site. Wellerstein also looks at what happens next, the people that began to form nuclear policy, the civilian control and Truman's use of power to make sure that what happened, could not happen again. Especially with the proliferation of atomic weapons, that happened.
A really interesting book, one that I quite enjoyed as I learned so much. A book that made me think quite a bit about what I thought was history, and even in how decisions are made. This is the first book I have read by Alex Wellerstein, but I look forward to more.
December 14, 2025
Reasonably Well Documented Book Will Force You To Rethink All You Think You Know Of The Post-WWII Era. This is one of those rare history books that actively goes in to not just point out something most people missed about an era and/ or a person, but also goes to show the reader that a lot of what you thought you knew... may not have happened quite the way you think it did.
For example, one of the main points of the early part of the text: You think President Truman ordered the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That was what most textbooks (at least in America) teach, at least lower than say upperclassman history majors at the collegiate level. Except.... Wellerstein shows here - repeatedly - that this wasn't exactly how that went down. Indeed, Wellerstein uses first hand sources from a few different key people - including Truman himself, where possible - to show that not only was there not one single decision to drop the bombs or where, but that Truman himself likely understood neither the weapon nor the target profile. (Which, let's face it, both humanizes him a bit more - something Wellerstein is *great* at in this text, for what that's worth - and should give most of us at least a touch of hope given more recent Presidents and their mental abilities.)
Then, in the period after the bombings, Truman - and the world - realize what has been done... and Truman is personally absolutely horrified. This is where and when the real struggles begin, and the "rest of the story" (as Paul Harvey famously proclaimed for so long) begins. And y'all, this part reads almost like a DC spy thriller/ court drama. High ranking people across several different realms within the US government all seeking to have their vision of the future made manifest, with Truman - and his famous "buck stops here" mantra - the focal point and the one both making decisions and seeking to establish his own preferred path.
Now, with all this lesser known history and with the entire point of the book showing a side of Truman most often ignored by history and historians, some may argue that this necessistates application of the Sagan Standard -that these are extraordinary claims that thus require extraordinary evidence. From my reading here and my understanding of both this text and the relevant histories as I know them, I don't think this is true. This is a bit of a bombshell, yes, but is also fits pretty squarely in with known histories, it simply illuminates lesser known corners of those histories more properly. Thus, for me, the roughly 20% bibliography here sufficiently establishes a reasonable amount of documentation, and the frequent citations of the diaries and memoirs of those directly involved show the depth of research Wellerstein was able to bring to the table here.
Overall a very well written text that will completely rewrite your understanding of the post-WWII period as it relates to the use and control of atomic weapons - which seems to be Wellerstein's very point, meaning he executed that point to near perfection.
Very much recommended.
For example, one of the main points of the early part of the text: You think President Truman ordered the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That was what most textbooks (at least in America) teach, at least lower than say upperclassman history majors at the collegiate level. Except.... Wellerstein shows here - repeatedly - that this wasn't exactly how that went down. Indeed, Wellerstein uses first hand sources from a few different key people - including Truman himself, where possible - to show that not only was there not one single decision to drop the bombs or where, but that Truman himself likely understood neither the weapon nor the target profile. (Which, let's face it, both humanizes him a bit more - something Wellerstein is *great* at in this text, for what that's worth - and should give most of us at least a touch of hope given more recent Presidents and their mental abilities.)
Then, in the period after the bombings, Truman - and the world - realize what has been done... and Truman is personally absolutely horrified. This is where and when the real struggles begin, and the "rest of the story" (as Paul Harvey famously proclaimed for so long) begins. And y'all, this part reads almost like a DC spy thriller/ court drama. High ranking people across several different realms within the US government all seeking to have their vision of the future made manifest, with Truman - and his famous "buck stops here" mantra - the focal point and the one both making decisions and seeking to establish his own preferred path.
Now, with all this lesser known history and with the entire point of the book showing a side of Truman most often ignored by history and historians, some may argue that this necessistates application of the Sagan Standard -that these are extraordinary claims that thus require extraordinary evidence. From my reading here and my understanding of both this text and the relevant histories as I know them, I don't think this is true. This is a bit of a bombshell, yes, but is also fits pretty squarely in with known histories, it simply illuminates lesser known corners of those histories more properly. Thus, for me, the roughly 20% bibliography here sufficiently establishes a reasonable amount of documentation, and the frequent citations of the diaries and memoirs of those directly involved show the depth of research Wellerstein was able to bring to the table here.
Overall a very well written text that will completely rewrite your understanding of the post-WWII period as it relates to the use and control of atomic weapons - which seems to be Wellerstein's very point, meaning he executed that point to near perfection.
Very much recommended.
December 1, 2025
4.25 Stars
Aptly titled is an understatement. It is odd to have someone use such hyperbolic language as "this was one of the most consequential decisions/actions ever undertaken by man in its history" and realize that there is no hyperbole: the ushering in of the atomic era and the suddenly present possibility of a swift end to the human race at its own hand dwarfs any other previous world-altering discovery or decision.
Wellerstein wields this difficult subject with a deftly human touch, never straying too far from the core figures in order to keep the focus squarely on Truman and those who most frequently had his ear. The whole book reads less like your standard nonfiction historical and more like a dissertation and that is very much to the good. In trying to present Truman as a fairly unremarkable human being trying to control the most terrifying weapons ever built, Wellerstein makes a good case that not only did Truman not always have all the facts - he may not have even known precisely what he was ordering at any given moment.
While that may sound buffoonish (and it sure sounds like many in the inner circle had little enough faith in the man when he was sworn in), Truman was the quintessential "everyman" president. Chosen under dodgy circumstances, made a name for himself with his forthright and honest persona, and sort of "accidentally" became president. It almost feels like providence that the nuclear football was developed under such a man who would do all he could to ensure nukes were never used again after the scope of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki began to be understood.
You may have noticed by now that this book is, to paraphrase the author, an "atomic biography of Harry S. Truman." To that end, the first third of the book is dedicated to the development and deployment of the bombs in question and may be the most "action-packed" portion of the book. After that, it loses none of its stakes or drama, but if you want to read about the a-bombs, this is not the book: the last two thirds are less about the bombs themselves and more (as the subtitle suggests) about the backroom conversations trying to keep the bombs under civilian and POTUS control rather than the military.
The Most Awful Responsibility is sobering, thoughtful and poignant. It is chilling to think what may have been had some of the more hawkish minds of the time prevailed in loosing further bombings before their full impact was understood.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for advanced access to this book scheduled to be published December 9, 2025 at time of writing.
Aptly titled is an understatement. It is odd to have someone use such hyperbolic language as "this was one of the most consequential decisions/actions ever undertaken by man in its history" and realize that there is no hyperbole: the ushering in of the atomic era and the suddenly present possibility of a swift end to the human race at its own hand dwarfs any other previous world-altering discovery or decision.
Wellerstein wields this difficult subject with a deftly human touch, never straying too far from the core figures in order to keep the focus squarely on Truman and those who most frequently had his ear. The whole book reads less like your standard nonfiction historical and more like a dissertation and that is very much to the good. In trying to present Truman as a fairly unremarkable human being trying to control the most terrifying weapons ever built, Wellerstein makes a good case that not only did Truman not always have all the facts - he may not have even known precisely what he was ordering at any given moment.
While that may sound buffoonish (and it sure sounds like many in the inner circle had little enough faith in the man when he was sworn in), Truman was the quintessential "everyman" president. Chosen under dodgy circumstances, made a name for himself with his forthright and honest persona, and sort of "accidentally" became president. It almost feels like providence that the nuclear football was developed under such a man who would do all he could to ensure nukes were never used again after the scope of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki began to be understood.
You may have noticed by now that this book is, to paraphrase the author, an "atomic biography of Harry S. Truman." To that end, the first third of the book is dedicated to the development and deployment of the bombs in question and may be the most "action-packed" portion of the book. After that, it loses none of its stakes or drama, but if you want to read about the a-bombs, this is not the book: the last two thirds are less about the bombs themselves and more (as the subtitle suggests) about the backroom conversations trying to keep the bombs under civilian and POTUS control rather than the military.
The Most Awful Responsibility is sobering, thoughtful and poignant. It is chilling to think what may have been had some of the more hawkish minds of the time prevailed in loosing further bombings before their full impact was understood.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for advanced access to this book scheduled to be published December 9, 2025 at time of writing.
December 14, 2025
Did I select this book to read only because @histerynerdsunited biggest fan dislike it? ABSOLUTELY. Call me petty but eh, I am who I am ha. Anyway, I rather enjoyed this book a lot. I had never really given much thought to Truman. He was a vice president that became president and that was the extent of my knowledge. I also didn’t know much about the atomic bomb, much to my husbands dismay. He kept trying to get me to watch Obermeyer, but I couldn’t stay focused. Anyway, this book was so entertaining. I loved how the author clearly explained how he planned to go about the book from the beginning, it set the stage for what was to come. He acknowledges that the view he is going to portray is not the traditional view of Truman, rather one that is hinted at in historical documents. The biggest piece being that Truman was deeply against atomic weapons, now if you know history, you might think that he had a reputation as a defender of the atomic bomb. Why the confliction? Well, that is exactly why the author sets things up, and takes us on this journey. It is still non-fiction, and deeply routed in truth, just maybe not the same truth you have been led to believe, which is fascinating to me.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy.
January 28, 2026
I had to read this book for HIST 33205 The Nuclear Age at Purdue University. This book goes through the history of the nuclear bombing decision of Hiroshima and Nagasaki made under President Harry S Truman in August of 1945. More vastly, the book discovered the history of nuclear science and fission physics, and how the possibility of an atomic bomb came about. The book opens with Harry S Truman becoming President of the United States after the unexpected death of the sitting President FDR. He was left out of the conversation regarding nuclear weapons development, and quickly had to learn what was in store while trying to end war in Europe and Asia. The book explores many questions regarding nuclear policy and how these new weapons would be protected and developed in the future, and their potential use during the Korean Conflict (1950-1953). Overall, the author looked to understand Truman’s perspective as the one responsible for deploying the atomic weapon, and offers a positive representation of the only US President to use atomic weapons, and the only to stop their future use.
February 5, 2026
I’m not sure if there has been a glut of books on the atomic bomb in recent years or if I’ve just sought them out, but this was an interesting picture of the post-WWII era and Truman’s presidency in one specific area. A few nuggets stick out, like the idea that Truman didn’t know that the targets for bombing in Japan were actual cities rather than military sites. It doesn’t always paint the most flattering portrait of Truman, but I think that’s perhaps in keeping with his current historical status as a president who lucked into the role and wasn’t the same calibre as some men that came before him.
As an aside, Truman died in 1972, which feels quite late for the guy who replaced FDR. Seeing photos of him in the 1970s reminds me of seeing Hoover pictures in the 1960s. (And despite those two living far after their presidencies, by the time Nixon resigned in 1973, there were zero living ex-presidents!)
As an aside, Truman died in 1972, which feels quite late for the guy who replaced FDR. Seeing photos of him in the 1970s reminds me of seeing Hoover pictures in the 1960s. (And despite those two living far after their presidencies, by the time Nixon resigned in 1973, there were zero living ex-presidents!)
December 27, 2025
I found Alex Wellerstein's previous book to be a bit too dense for me to fully appreciate--his explanation of how the nuclear weapons 'industry' created the modern secrecy state was exhaustively researched and cited and a bit overwhelming for me. In his second book I think he's much more dialed in, whether because he's more experienced or whether because having a more limited focus helps him keep things a bit tighter. In any event parts of this read like a page-turner. He's presenting a novel (and probably controversial) vision of the early days of the atomic age, but I think he does a good job of making it clear what documents exist to support his claims and why he's reading them the way he does.
Really an excellent read for history buffs or people interested in the history of nuclear weapons.
Really an excellent read for history buffs or people interested in the history of nuclear weapons.
November 11, 2025
"What is the measure of a civilized man?" This is the question Alex Wellerstein wrestles with in examining the history of the atomic bomb, "The Most Awful Responsibility." History tells us of Harry Truman's decision, or lack thereof, to use it against Japan and then never use it militarily again. Truman, it turns out, may have thought that Hiroshima was merely a military base and not a city. After finding out what it actually did, Truman initially wanted to jettison the remaining US stockpile into the ocean in hopes of never using them again. My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy and I hope that in today's era of "maybe we should renew atomic testing," this book winds its way into the hands of some of the right people.
December 10, 2025
The Most Awful Responsibility offers a fascinating and surprisingly intimate look at Truman’s relationship with nuclear weapons one that’s far more complicated than the simplified story most of us grow up hearing. Wellerstein peels back the layers of myth and assumption to show a man caught between immense pressure, incomplete information, and a burden he didn’t fully understand until it was too late. The book feels both rigorous and deeply human, blending political history with the emotional weight of responsibility at a world shaping moment. It’s thoughtful, revealing, and the kind of nonfiction that stays with you long after you close it.
February 7, 2026
This book is a look at how President Truman was involved in the atomic bomb question. According to Wellerstein, Truman did not decide to drop the atomic bomb on Japan; his only decision was to either accept Kyoto or Hiroshima as the first site to use the bomb. I seemed to believe Hiroshima was not a city, but a military base, and would have few civilians.
The policy that the U.S. President would be the ultimate decision maker was a President Truman policy.
If you are interested in U.S. atomic bomb policy, this is a well-researched book and may change your opinion.
The policy that the U.S. President would be the ultimate decision maker was a President Truman policy.
If you are interested in U.S. atomic bomb policy, this is a well-researched book and may change your opinion.
January 12, 2026
If only our current political leadership was as capable of cooperation and contemplation as those described in this book. We're still dealing with the fallout of the initial creation and dropping of these bombs, but we're also lucky that thoughtful people were there to move things forward afterward. There are things that certainly could have gone better, but we owe a debt to Truman's attempts to keep control in civilian hands as long as possible, even if his push for ultimate presidential authority is a bit terrifying right now.
Thank you to NetGalley for this audioARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for this audioARC.
December 19, 2025
Very good book. I learned a great deal about the actual decision process which lead to the use of the first atomic bombs and Truman’s reaction in the subsequent years.
Throughly researched and the author was clear to point out what facts were found in the records, and what could only be surmised.
Throughly researched and the author was clear to point out what facts were found in the records, and what could only be surmised.
December 31, 2025
Spectacular book in every way that clearly presents the arguments for even possibly more controversial conclusions
January 14, 2026
I didn’t underline much, but I thought a lot. That says something about the way this book works on you.
January 15, 2026
An extensive and well researched documentary of the initial use of the atomic bomb. Written at the grad-student level for historians with numerous references. Complex problems explained.
February 4, 2026
Summary: Despite being the only U.S. President who used nuclear weapons, Truman is perhaps the most anti-nuke president in history.
February 8, 2026
what should not be forgotten is, that at the time the bombs were dropped Japan still killed civilians and soldiers in the range of 10000 PER DAY .... so that's almost an atomic bomb every week for 8 straight years. If WWII would have gone on for another year and killing some 3 to 5 millions more, nobody would even comment on it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews