Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Important Things to Know
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which occurred on August 6 and 9 of 1945, respectively, remain some of the most controversial events in history. The United States of America, under the orders of President Harry S. Truman, dropped two atomic bombs on Japan which together killed over 200,000 people, primarily civilians. The use of atomic bombs to conclude the war in the Pacific theater of World War II was a matter of deep moral and ethical debate, one that resonates to the present-day. There are many important things to know about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and this article will provide comprehensive information about the events and their effects.
Background Information
Before discussing the atomic bomb attacks, it is important to understand the context within which they took place. World War II began in Europe in September of 1939 following Hitler’s invasion of Poland. The United States formally entered the war in 1941, pledging its support to Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union against the Axis Powers of Germany, Japan, and Italy. In December of 1941, Japan attacked the United States’ naval base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian islands and the U.S. entry into the war shifted to the Pacific theater.
By early 1945, the Allies had made significant advances against Japan, pushing their forces back to the island of Kyushu, the main ground base of operations. In July, the Allied powers demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender. Japan refused and promised its citizens to fight to the death before surrendering. On August 6, 1945, the United States responded by dropping an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima.
Goals of Use
The goals of using the atomic bombs on Japan were varied. At the time, the United States believed that a “shock and awe” campaign would be the most effective way to cause Japan to capitulate and bring an end to the war. Several motivations pushed the Allied Forces to use the newly-developed weapon. It was felt that by striking Japan with a “devastating” new weapon, the Allies could convey the full force of their military capabilities and, in turn, force an unconditional surrender. It was also assumed that by attacking Japan with an atomic bomb, the Allies would weaken their infrastructure and provide an opportunity to secure a long-term peace.
The Atomic Bombs
The two atomic bombs utilized in the attacks were known as “Little Boy,” which was dropped on Hiroshima, and “Fat Man,” which was dropped on Nagasaki. The bombs were the first of their kind and the most powerful weapons ever used. Little Boy was made of Uranium-235 and detonated with the energy of about 15,000 tons of TNT. It obliterated most of Hiroshima and killed 89,000 people immediately and another 60,000 through delayed and secondary effects of radiation within the following few months. Fat Man was a Plutonium-239 bomb and had an explosive power of 21,000 tons of TNT. It destroyed the city of Nagasaki and killed 40,000 people immediately, with an additional 40,000 perishing in the weeks to follow. Both bombs created devastation that was far beyond anything previously seen before and would change the face of warfare forever.
Effects
The effects of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were catastrophic. The destruction of the cities was immense, killing tens of thousands of people. Shockwaves rippled through the world at the magnitude of the destruction and the overwhelming power of the weapons. There was a massive wave of panic and fear from the notion that such weapons could soon be created by other powers, and the two bombings gave the United States a vast advantage in the development of nuclear technology.
The immediate aftermath also caused much disruption in Japan. The bombing inflicted deep psychological scars on the Japanese population who, after the attack on Hiroshima, lived in fear that their home would be next. Additionally, the atomic fallout created a radiation threat and caused illness, long-term genetic damage, and permanent physical damage to many survivors.
Legacy
The legacy of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is still felt today. It is widely viewed by many as a war crime and sparked a widespread debate about the morality and ethics of using nuclear weapons. Scholars have conflicting views on the matter, but many agree that the effects of the bombings and their long-term consequences outweigh any moral or political gains made.
Additionally, the atomic bombs ushered in the dawn of the atomic age and provided a blueprint for the proliferation of nuclear technology. The events surrounding Hiroshima and Nagasaki sparked a worldwide arms race and nuclear proliferation and laid the groundwork for the context of the Cold War.
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are among the most controversial events in history. Despite the varied opinions about the use of nuclear weapons, the fact remains that it was a devastating event that resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. It was a momentous turning point in the history of warfare, ushering in a new age of powerful and destructive weaponry that would forever shape the international political climate. While the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are extremely important to understand, hopefully they will never be repeated or repeated.
