Embedded Files
The dropping of the atomic bomb
The dropping of the atomic bomb
The USA made a substantial contribution to ending WW2 by dropping the A-bomb on Hiroshima. The debate over whether such an aggressive action can ever be justified, even in wartime, still rages.
The Manhattan Project
The Manhattan Project
Between 1941 and 1945, scientists at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, led by Robert Oppenheimer, worked on the Manhattan Project to make an atomic bomb. On 16 July 1945, the atomic bomb was successfully tested at Alamogordo, in New Mexico.
Why was the bomb dropped?
Why was the bomb dropped?
The decision whether to drop it – almost as difficult as making the bomb – was taken by US President Harry S Truman. One reason Truman is said to have dropped the atomic bomb was to bring the war against Japan to a quick end. He said it was dropped to save American soldiers' lives.
In July 1945, the war in the Pacific was still going slowly. Fighting between the Japanese and Allies was fierce. Japan prepared to fight an invasion with a build-up of millions of troops and the Americans feared that invading Japan would cost them a million casualties and drag the war well into 1946.
Some historians suspect Truman did not want to give the Soviets a chance to get involved in the Far East. Others feel that he was forced into a show of strength because of the threat to America posed by the USSR.
Key events building up to the dropping of the bomb
Key events building up to the dropping of the bomb
21st July 1945
21st July 1945
Truman received the report which confirmed that the Alamogordo test had been successful, and America had an atomic bomb. Truman insisted that the Japanese should be given the opportunity to surrender before the bomb was used.
26th July 1945
26th July 1945
The British, Chinese and Americans called on Japan to surrender unconditionally. This is known as the Potsdam Declaration. The Soviet Union did not agree – the Japanese had asked them to try to negotiate a peace treaty.
28th July 1945
28th July 1945
The Japanese refused to surrender unconditionally.
3rd August 1945
3rd August 1945
The Japanese again asked for a negotiated peace.
The dropping of the atomic bomb
The dropping of the atomic bomb
Enola Gay
Enola Gay
On the 6th August 1945 the American B29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb, codenamed 'Little Boy', on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
The bombing of Hiroshima
The bombing of Hiroshima
the bomb exploded with the force of 20,000 tons of TNT
the temperature at the centre of the explosion reached 3000ºC - 4000ºC – three times hotter than volcanic lava
everything within a mile of the centre of the blast was flattened
fires spread and around 67 per cent of Hiroshima's buildings were destroyed
Japanese Surrender
Japanese Surrender
On the 9th August 1945 the USA dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.
On the 15th August 1945 Japan announced its intention to surrender
Victory over Japan Day - or VJ Day - is celebrated on 15 August of each year to celebrate the end of World War Two.
What were the consequences of the atomic bomb?
What were the consequences of the atomic bomb?
The Americans estimate the number killed as 117,000. The Japanese put it at quarter of a million. Many more suffered horrific injuries. In the years that followed, many of the survivors, known as 'hibakusha', developed ill health.
Studies of the hibakusha have allowed doctors to understand radiation poisoning, and to set safety levels for the nuclear power industry.
By the 1950s, America and the Soviet Union had developed the more powerful hydrogen bomb, and had learned how to put them on inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The world entered an era of 'overkill' – where it had the ability to destroy every living thing on earth many times over.
Outcomes Focused, Child Centred
Outcomes Focused, Child Centred
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