James Byrnes and the Pacific War

Abstract

Only one individual in history has served in the Senate, as a Supreme Court Judge, and in the White House as an advisor, and eventually the Secretary of State. His name is James Byrnes. He played a central role in the development and the ultimate use of the atomic bomb against Japan, making critical decisions to push the project forward on many occasions. The roles he played in the Manhattan Project, close relationship with both FDR and Truman, and involvement in the Potsdam declaration are nothing short of impressive. Some could argue that he was responsible for laying the groundwork in securing a western line of defense against the Soviet Union through the pursuit of unconditional surrender by the Japanese. Others claim that his lack of foreign policy experience was of great detriment during the Yalta and Potsdam conferences. His diplomatic tactics in dealing with the USSR may have cost the United States a key strategic military position in the Pacific during the cold war. However, Mr. Byrnes' attention to detail ensured that the United States could choose whether Japan would keep its Emperor after surrender. After careful examination of his professional career and the events leading up to, and after the dropping of the atomic bomb, one must conclude that byrnes was a politically "sly and able" individual despite his international diplomatic inexperience. There is a high level of concern with the lack of moral consideration Byrnes displayed during the discussions on how the new atom bombs would be used in the Pacific theater However, the more pressing issue is of Byrnes' performance as an individual with a considerable amount of influence over United States foreign policy. This paper examines Byrnes' line from the beginning until the end of the Pacific War. In this paper, I will argue that the single major criticism of Byrnes' service to the United States was this lack of foreign policy experience, particularly with regard to the Yalta conference and the agreements made there. James Byrnes was born on May 2nd, 1882 in Charleston, SOuth Carolina. While his childhood was filled with considerable hardships, Byrnes was able to quickly educate himself, eventually rising to one of the most powerful foreign policy positions in the United States government. His father passed away shortly before he was born, forcing his mother to take over income earning for the household. Despite the significant economic challenges Byrnes faced during his childhood, he remained motivated to assist his family by helping out his mother in her business ventures. His willingness to go to any length at such a young age to preserve the economic stability of his family speaks volumes about his personality. Byrnes was willing to do anything it took to achieve what he wanted, and to ensure that his family had adequate financial support. It is important to note that as the Civil War had taken place only a few decades earlier, the economic situation of many Southern states was dire. This economic depression in the South made it difficult for many families to sustain a moderate level of income, especially in cases of a single parent with more than one child. Byrnes' early education compromised of lessons in a parochial school, and by the time he was fourteen had exhausted the level of education that the nuns could provide. Entering the world of adulthood by starting a position in a law firm as an office boy, Byrnes was able to help supplement the family income. His first position as an office boy helped to start him on a journey that would in its peak allow Byrnes to find himself in the White House.