Notes
- US President Harry Truman decides to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, August 6th and 9th, respectively.
- Almost 100,000 died instantly in Hiroshima
- Aug.8 Soviets declare war on Japan.
- Aug.9 70, 000 die in Nagasaki
- Radiation kills many more.
- Emperor goes on air to tell Japanese that they must do the "unthinkable" and surrender. (Aug.15)
Video
Summary
Almost 100,000 died instantly in hiroshima from the atomic bomb from the decision of US president Harry Truman. the radiation causes even more damage after the bomb hit and it struck everywhere.
Audio
Pictures
Political Cartoon
Quotes
"Fifteen seconds after the flash there were two very distinct slaps and that was all the physical effects we felt. We turned the ship so we could observe results and there in front of our eyes was without a doubt the greatest explosion man had ever witnessed. The city was 9/10 covered with smoke and a column of white cloud, which in less than three minutes reached 30,000 feet and then went up to 50,000 feet. I honestly have the feeling of groping for words to explain this or I might say, my God, what have we done? Everyone on the ship is actually dumbstruck, even though we had expected something fierce."
- Robert A. Lewis, Captain of the Enola Gay, during the bombing of Hiroshima
- Robert A. Lewis, Captain of the Enola Gay, during the bombing of Hiroshima
Subjunctive Question
At this point, Tokyo had already suffered the horrible fire bombings which left as many dead as the atomic bombings. Were the atomic bombs necessary? Furthermore, after this usage of the atomic bomb, could its use every be seen as being principled'?