September
Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
World War II had been going on for over two years and the U.S. was staying in isolationism. But on December 7, 1941 Japan launched an attack on Pearl Harbor. After this The United States declared war on Japan. On August 6, 1945, little boy, the first atomic bomb ever used in war was dropped on the city of Hiroshima. This resulted in 70,000-80,000 people died immediately and another 70,000 were injured. Hiroshima at the time was very large with roughly 350.000 people living there. It was chosen because it had industrial and military significance. Three days later it was followed by Fatman, the second and last atomic bomb used in war, which was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. This resulted in over 40,000-75,000 immediately dying. Originally Fatman was to be dropped on the city of Kokura, but because of the weather they decided to bomb their secondary target Nagasaki. Nagasaki was important because it was one of the largest seaports in Japan and the large industrial activities including producing military equipment. Many things led up to the bombing of theses two great Japanese cities. The first event leading up to the bombing is World War II and Japans involvement in bringing the US out of isolationism. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor the US was already furious with Japan and wanted revenge. Another thing leading up to this event was Manhattan Project. This was started in 1939 when the U.S., feared that the Germans were making an atomic bomb. This resulted in the creation of the bomb. Another factor was the Potsdam Declaration, which was issued in July 26 1945. This stated that Japan must surrender and follow all the terms or face “prompt and utter destruction.” Japan declined and the U.S. followed in its threat with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had many consequences. The immediate one was that collectively over 100,000 people died immediately in the bombing and over 100,000 more were severely injured and burned. Week’s later radiation disease caused sickness, cancer, and even death. After this the Atomic Bomb Casualty commission was formed to research the effect of the radiation on the human body. Another effect was that after the second atomic bomb the Japanese signed the Potsdam Declaration, which helped end World War II. This also led up to the Cold War being started and a nuclear arms race, each country building up though never firing. The creation of the atomic bomb still has a great affect today. There are now over 20,000 nuclear weapons in the world today.
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