Quiz: Historical Interpretations
Course HIS-100
Test 5-1-1 Quiz: Historical Interpretations
Instructions
Historiography is the practice of analyzing how the historical context of a time
influences how historians write about and interpret historical events, and the
Historical Interpretations Chart will help you practice this skill. First, you will read
three articles on science in the Research Kit. Then, you will identify the thesis
statement in each article. Finally, you will compare and contrast the authors’
theses.
First, read through the following three articles on science in the Research Kit:
• Frisch, D. H. (1970). Scientists and the decision to bomb Japan. Bulletin of
the Atomic Scientists, 26(6), 107–115.
• Malloy, S. L. (2012). “A very pleasant way to die”: Radiation effects and
the decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan. Diplomatic History,
36(3), 515–545.
• Reynolds, M. L., & Lynch, F. X. (1955). Atomic bomb injuries among
survivors in Hiroshima. Public Health Reports, 70(3), 261–270.
• Question 1
What argument is Frisch making? This is the thesis statement.
Answer: Demonstration of the atomic bomb before deploying it might have put pressure on
Japan to surrender with minimal loss of life.
• Question 2
Why is Frisch making this argument? This is what is at stake for him.
Answer: Frisch believes that the Allies had the political and military means to have weighed
Course HIS-100
Test 5-1-1 Quiz: Historical Interpretations
Instructions
Historiography is the practice of analyzing how the historical context of a time
influences how historians write about and interpret historical events, and the
Historical Interpretations Chart will help you practice this skill. First, you will read
three articles on science in the Research Kit. Then, you will identify the thesis
statement in each article. Finally, you will compare and contrast the authors’
theses.
First, read through the following three articles on science in the Research Kit:
• Frisch, D. H. (1970). Scientists and the decision to bomb Japan. Bulletin of
the Atomic Scientists, 26(6), 107–115.
• Malloy, S. L. (2012). “A very pleasant way to die”: Radiation effects and
the decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan. Diplomatic History,
36(3), 515–545.
• Reynolds, M. L., & Lynch, F. X. (1955). Atomic bomb injuries among
survivors in Hiroshima. Public Health Reports, 70(3), 261–270.
• Question 1
What argument is Frisch making? This is the thesis statement.
Answer: Demonstration of the atomic bomb before deploying it might have put pressure on
Japan to surrender with minimal loss of life.
• Question 2
Why is Frisch making this argument? This is what is at stake for him.
Answer: Frisch believes that the Allies had the political and military means to have weighed
