Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

During World War II, for the official purpose of forcing the Japanese to surrender unconditionally, the United States military dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan on August 6 and August 9, 1945 respectively. At least 120,000 people, about 95% of which were civilian, were killed outright, and around twice as many over time. These were the first and only nuclear attacks in history. Japan sent notice of its unconditional surrender to the Allies of World War II on August 15.

Related Topics:
World War II - United States - Atomic bomb - Hiroshima - Nagasaki - Japan - August 6 - August 9 - 1945 - Allies of World War II - August 15

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The role of the bombings in Japan's surrender, as well as the effects and justification of them have been subject to much debate. In the U.S., the prevailing view is that the bombings ended the war sooner than would otherwise have been the case, and saved many lives that would have been lost if the planned invasion of Japan had taken place. In Japan, the general public tends to think that with hindsight the bombings were needless as the preparation for the surrender was in progress.

Related Topics:
Japan's surrender - Planned invasion of Japan - Japan

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The survivors of the bombings are called hibakusha (???), a Japanese word that literally translates to "bomb-affected people." The suffering of the bombing is the root of Japan's postwar pacifism, and the nation has sought the abolition of nuclear weapons from the world ever since.

Related Topics:
Hibakusha - Pacifism

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