What were some alternatives to dropping the atomic bomb?

Something peaceful would never have worked. The Japanese people thought their Emperor to be almost god-like and it took an atomic bomb to wake them up. We also rebuilt their cities after we destroyed it. I have been to Japan and have heard the older people come and tell me they are not upset with America over the atomic bomb. They were sad to lose all of those people, but it sent a powerful message that their countries leader was wrong.

Japan declared war on us when they attacked Pearl Harbor. If we didn't do anything drastic afterward, our country would appear weak and it would open us up to more terror. Just my thoughts.

AnswerI believe that the Atomic bomb was unessercery as Japan were about to surrender. the thought that Japan were hard fighters and may have been very worshipful to their Emeror may have scared the US but it should not have resulted in the Atomic Bomb.

It may be that Japan were wrong about their beliefs but still, people should not be punished and discriminated by what they think and believe. The atomic bomb destroyed homes and families. why should anyone go through such pain? you would not like it if you got discriminated because of your beliefs and faith. so why do it?

I agree there was some reason to the dropping but there was no reason to drop an untested bomb on a country that is about to surrender.