A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History : American Treasures: Trinity Test Nuclear Explosions Library of Congress This digital resource makes available formerly classified photographs of the first (test) explosion of a nuclear bomb. (Primary source material with commentary). The students can look at the three images from the site and simply write down their immediate reactions in a free form style. The students can look at the images and read the short paragraph on the site in order to write a realistic letter from Oppenheimer to Truman with his recommendations for use of the bomb.

(b) describing the major battles and turning points of the war in North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, including Midway, Stalingrad, the Normandy landing (D-Day), and Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb to force surrender of Japan;

Trinity Test Nuclear Explosions
Library of Congress: American Treasures

Description: This digital resource makes available formerly classified photographs of the first (test) explosion of a nuclear bomb. (Primary source material with commentary).

Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestion

The students can look at the three images from the site and simply write down their immediate reactions in a free form style.

Suggestion for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson

The students can look at the images and read the short paragraph on the site in order to write a realistic letter from Oppenheimer to Truman with his recommendations for use of the bomb.