Skolnik, Jon. “Here’s How Nuclear War Could ‘Destroy Civilization’ in Just a Few Hours | Vanity Fair.” Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair, 26 Mar. 2024, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/how-nuclear-war-could-destroy-civilization.
THE HISTORY OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
EMILIE VIDRIO
The history of nuclear weapons is a troubling story that raises important questions. As incredibly powerful tools of destruction, their use in war makes us think about our responsibilities as humans. To understand whether nuclear weapons should be seen as a valid choice in warfare, we must look at their history, how they were developed, and the costs of using them.
Nuclear weapons were first used in August 1945 during World War II when the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan. The bomb called “Little Boy” was released on Hiroshima on August 6, killing about 140,000 people. Three days later, the bomb known as “Fat Man” was dropped on Nagasaki, resulting in around 70,000 deaths. According to Britannica, these bombings were “the first and only use of nuclear weapons in warfare” (Britannica), leaving a lasting mark on military conflict.
“Little boy” atomic bomb. National Museum of the United States Air ForceTM. (n.d.). https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196219/little-boy-atomic-bomb/
The creation of these bombs came from important scientific discoveries in the early 1900s. The Manhattan Project, a secret U.S. government program, worked to harness the power of nuclear fission. The Nuclear Museum states, “Fission occurs when a neutron strikes the nucleus… splitting the nucleus into fragments and releasing a tremendous amount of energy” (Nuclear Museum). This project led to the successful test of the bomb in the Trinity test on July 16, 1945, which showed its terrible power. The cost of the Manhattan Project by Facility 1945 was 1.9 billion dollars. This was just from August of 1942 to December of 1945, this much was spent on the development of the world's first nuclear weapons.
The scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project were some of the smartest people, one of them being J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” Other scientists like Enrico Fermi and Richard Faynman, made important discoveries in nuclear physics. They all faced a lot of pressure to develop the bomb quickly. They understood it could end the war but also knew it would cause a lot of damage and harm to the environment and to humans. As the Nuclear Museum notes, “The Manhattan Project brought together the brightest scientific minds of the day” (Nuclear Museum). Their work continues to raise a lot of questions about the responsibility of nuclear weapons.
Acres, T. (2023, July 21). Oppenheimer: The “destroyer of worlds” who built the atomic bomb - and how his legacy still impacts us today. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/oppenheimer-the-destroyer-of-worlds-who-built-the-atomic-bomb-and-how-his-legacy-still-impacts-us-today-12920310
The bombs were meant to quickly end the war, saving lives by avoiding a long ground invasion of Japan. However, the costs of using these weapons go far beyond the immediate destruction. The aftermath includes long-lasting damage to the environment and serious health problems for survivors, like radiation sickness. As noted by Britannica, the bombings caused “a humanitarian crisis that remains relevant today” (Encyclopedia Britannica), highlighting the severe consequences of nuclear warfare.
The history, development, and effects of nuclear weapons remind us of the serious consequences of their use. The huge loss of life and lasting impact on survivors raise important questions about whether nuclear warfare can ever be justified. As global tensions rise, we need to carefully think about whether nuclear weapons should be seen as a legitimate option in war, learning from the painful lessons of the past with using them.
IN AMERICA’S DEFENSE
TIFFANY ANDREWS
There has been a great deal of controversy when discussing the bombing of Hiroshima. People who come from all races, social standings, upbringings, and so on and so forth debate the morals and the ethics of whether or not America should be allowed to use nuclear bombs during a fight or a war. A prime example is the bombing of Hiroshima. On December 7th, 1941, Japan launched a surprise air attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor located in Hawaii. However, Japan intentionally provoked The US when they attacked. It was malicious as Japan, the reason all wars started, wanted something to gain from the battle claimed by Imperial War Museums. For example, “Japan hoped for a short war, seeking to quickly weaken US naval strength and capture strategically vital oil supplies”, as stated by Imperial War Museums. Japan's motivation for attacking Pearl Harbor was driven by its political self-interests, it is scarcity of economic resources, and perceived opportunity costs.
“The Atomic Bombs That Ended World War 2 | Imperial War Museums.” Imperial War Museums, https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-atomic-bombs-that-ended-the-second-world-war. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
The decision to launch the attack was of those who were in command made the choice to attack Pearl Harbor led to many innocent lives being impacted in some way, shape, or form. History Extra stated in their article that, “78,000 people were killed instantly when the US dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima” History Extra then continues, “Those who survived suffered radiation sickness and severe burns – and the city was utterly destroyed.” It is debatable whether or not America should have dropped the second atomic bomb as the first one seemed to do enough but the US wanted to be safe, not sorry when faced with a severe attack like Pearl Harbor. A peace treaty has now been passed and signed by curtain countries to ensure that history won’t repeat itself.
How Many People Died In Hiroshima? What Happened After The Bomb? | HistoryExtra https://www.historyextra.com/period/second-world-war/hiroshima-atom-bomb-nuclear-how-many-died-aftermath-casualties-what-happened/
Not only were many exposed to radiation during the Trinity Test in 1945, but subsequent uranium mining for the purpose of developing nuclear weapons sickened and killed workers and their families. Though America is not using nuclear bombs to harm other countries we are indirectly harming our own by keeping the radiation confined where it is not affecting and hurting working civilians. Many people have their own opinions just like any other debate in America as it is the land of the free.
The Peace Treaty of Versailles, passed on July 28 1991 after World War One during the Paris Peace Conference, Great Britain, France, the United States of America, and Italy agreed not to go to war with each other or use excessive weapons such as an atomic bomb but rather address and attend to issues that cause friction. America now uses remote locations to test bombs. History of nuclear explosive testing states, “US test atomic bombs at The locations for these tests included the NTS and the Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range in Nevada, Eniwetok Atoll, Bikini Island, and the Pacific Ocean.” There are effects that come with the testing. Missouri Independent claims that the impacts of the Atomic Age are broad in New Mexico, in Indigenous lands, and throughout the region.
Pearl Harbor Attack | Date, History, Map, Casualties, Timeline, & Facts | Britannica. 25 Sept. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/event/Pearl-Harbor-attack.
THE BEST DETERRENT
EDUARDO PERDOMO
There is a glaring truth that cannot be ignored: nuclear weapons must be considered a legitimate option in warfare. Let’s face reality—nuclear weapons exist. We can’t wish them away or hope that banning them will eliminate the threat they pose. In fact, nuclear weapons have arguably done more to maintain peace between global powers than any international treaty or diplomatic agreement. This is due to the concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD), which has successfully kept the world from descending into another catastrophic world war. The logic is cold but effective.
Hulme, Etta. “Arms Race.” UTA Libraries, https://libraries.uta.edu/ettahulme/image/20104456. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
Consider the Cold War. For decades, the United States and the Soviet Union stood at the brink of nuclear conflict, yet neither side launched their devastating arsenal. Why? Because both knew the cost—total obliteration. The mere existence of these weapons acted as a check on the ambitions of world superpowers, a “deterrent far stronger than any diplomatic negotiation” (Cold).
No one argues for the reckless use of nuclear weapons, but the option must remain on the table. In situations of existential threat—the use of nuclear weapons is not only justified, it may be the only option left. If a rogue state or terrorist organization threatens millions of lives with nuclear or biological weapons, then we are not talking about moral idealism anymore. We are talking about survival.
Imagine a scenario where a nation like North Korea begins launching ballistic missiles toward populated cities. Would we argue that there is no scenario in which the use of nuclear weapons would be justified? At the very least, we must admit that these are a last resort that we must retain.
Yes, the use of nuclear weapons comes with unthinkable costs—death, environmental destruction, and the long-term effects of radiation. But consider the alternative: what would happen if, in a world full of nuclear weapons, we refuse to acknowledge their use as a viable option?
If the U.S., adopts a strict no-first-use policy, it opens the door for more aggressive nations to exploit that vulnerability. For example, by positioning their nuclear weapons as a looming threat, Russia has held NATO at bay, complicating direct military interventions. “The power of nuclear deterrence keeps adversaries in check” (Deterrence). Without it, we risk a world where aggressor states, unafraid of retaliation, could escalate conflicts without fear.
The Week Staff. “5 Cartoons about Russia’s Looming Invasion of Ukraine.” Yahoo News, Yahoo News, 11 Dec. 2021, https://www.yahoo.com/news/5-cartoons-russias-looming-invasion-110109284.html.
The decision to use nuclear weapons is not an easy one, nor should it be, but sometimes the most difficult choices are the ones that preserve the greater good. History has already proven that the use of nuclear weapons can bring wars to an abrupt and necessary end. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain deeply tragic, but they likely shortened World War II and saved countless lives by avoiding an invasion that would have resulted in millions of deaths. We must acknowledge that the “use of nuclear weapons ended a far greater catastrophe” (Foreign).
Nuclear weapons are not instruments of reckless destruction, nor are they toys to be wielded irresponsibly. They are the most powerful deterrents we possess in a world that is far from peaceful.
NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS
EVELYN LOPEZ
Have you ever thought that nuclear weapons should not be used in warfare? If so there must be a good reason for this opinion. Not everyone knows that nuclear weapons have destroyed and left catastrophes in their wake, especially in wars. Using nuclear weapons has been used once and never again. However, people want to bring them back. This should be stopped since it brings so much destruction that is not necessary. Nuclear weapons are banned, they can affect people and countries, and they are dangerous.
danellwatts. “No More Nuclear Weapons in South Africa.” Lowvelder, 26 Feb. 2019, https://www.citizen.co.za/lowvelder/news-headlines/2019/02/26/no-nuclear-weapons-south-africa/.
If you didn’t know there is a law called the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This law prevents people from using nuclear weapons, a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict. If at any time a nuclear weapon is used in any type of way they are violating this law. For example, if they are developing, testing, producing, manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, or stockpiling it violates the law. Not only is it violating but nuclear weapons are hazardous for everything. This law isn't just to prevent people from using nuclear weapons but it also helps keep people safe from any grave danger.
Nuclear weapons are dangerous for people and countries. When a weapon is used all the chemicals can spread and can cause many deaths or sicknesses. Not only can it kill people but also wildlife. This causes wildlife and population to decrease. The radiation from nuclear weapons is very murderous because if someone takes it in they could be severely deathly. Radiation spreads around and it can go as far as other countries. The weapons can also cause famine which can destroy the essential ecosystems on which all life depends. These weapons should not be used in warfare because of the many dangers that come with them. With all the deaths also comes tragedy and grief. With so many people being sick people in the medical field can’t save everyone since everyone reacts to radiation differently. Nuclear weapons have many effects with different aspects but they are super dangerous.
Conn, Ariel. “The Risk of Nuclear Weapons.” Future of Life Institute, 16 Nov. 2015, https://futureoflife.org/nuclear/the-risk-of-nuclear-weapons/.
Nuclear Weapons Facts - International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. 10 July 2020, https://www.ippnw.org/programs/nuclear-weapons-abolition/nuclear-weapons-facts.
Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous weapons on earth. That causes catastrophic events. They kill millions of people every time they are used they can destroy a whole city. If only one can cause this multiple can do so much more. Imagine how much death and destruction can these weapons cause. These weapons are very violent and should not be used even if it is for warfare. They jeopardize the natural environment and the lives of future generations. Weapons like these can cause various things that are not death many people are starved and the climate changes that these weapons cause are very dangerous. Nuclear weapons are hard to control which means that the people who use these don’t have full power over them. This also means that if something goes wrong they might not be able to do anything.
Global Race for Nuclear Weapons at Record High, Warns UN. https://www.ft.com/content/2776c235-592a-44fd-a0cd-e61f69c308bf. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
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