Reasons that some felt the bombings were justified included: a desire to intimidate the Soviet Union, a fear that Japan would continue fighting to the last man, and concern that millions more would become victims of Japanese war crimes. Those who felt the bombings were not justified pointed to US intelligence showing that Japan was willing to surrender prior to the bombs, naval blockades that had already strangled the Japanese army, and an already starving population. The students’ impassioned arguments allowed for a deeper understanding of and connection to the issue, and revealed the often subjective nature and long-lasting impacts of foreign policy decisions.