Bringing an End to War: Paul Tibbets and the Decision to Drop the Atom Bomb

In this lesson, students will learn about Paul Tibbets and his mission to drop the atomic bomb. Students will explore how the unselfish actions of he and his crew helped to bring the war with Japan to a close. Through his example, they will learn how they can act unselfishly in their own lives.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• Who was Paul Tibbets?
• Why was this mission undertaken? What did Paul Tibbets risk in carrying it out?
• How did Paul Tibbets’ unselfish actions help to shape his identity?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze Paul Tibbets’ actions in dropping the atomic bomb.
• Students will understand how acting selflessly can benefit their community.
• Students will apply their knowledge to act more selflessly in their own lives.