The Atomic Bomb Changed the World Forever

Part A – Plan of Investigation This investigation focuses on the use and necessity of the atomic bomb in World War II. To what extent did the atomic bomb dropped by the United States during World War II save lives? This will be investigated using websites, books, military accounts, and newspaper articles. Military calculations of what potentially could have happened had the United States invaded Japan instead of dropping the bomb will be researched.

The Effects of the Atomic Bomb Some regard the atomic bomb as “the thank God for the atom bomb”. This places God on the U.S. side and regards the bombs as our saving grace. This bomb forced the Japanese to surrender which in turn proved the U.S. to be the heroes who saved the American’s lives.1 The Americans intended on ending the war but did not expect to end it with such a large number of casualties. The results of the atomic bomb and how it effected the Japanese people both emotionally and physically will be addressed.

Sullivan, Walter F. "Hiroshima and Nagasaki After 50 Years." America. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Excerpt from Hiroshima and Nagasaki After 50 Years. New York: America Press, 1984. Inspire. Web. 7 Dec. 2009.

World War II brought up many new technologies for warfare. Advanced on existing developments such as weaponry, ships, vehicles air crafts, navigational devices and medicine are just a few broad examples of developments in warfare during this time in United States and World history. One development, however, changed the entire way of warfare. The Atomic bomb was developed during this time out of fears that the Germans had the same technologies, or at least were working to obtain it. Once the United States had this technological capability of producing atomic weapons, the way of fighting was changed. Two bombs were dropped on Japan in August of 1945, one on the city of Hiroshima and the other on the city of Nagasaki. Afterward, the ear of atomic diplomacy came up in American international relations, which as we have seen today, has led to the development of even stronger, more deadly weaponry and bombs. The bombing of Japan also brings up the still prevalent debate of whether the bombings were justifiable or not. Historians Gar Alperovitz, Robert P. Newman and Barton Bernstein all have written essays expressing their opinions in the matter.

A controversial, but positive role of nuclear power in the Cold War was the use of the atomic bomb, "Fat Man," in Nagasaki. Though it is impossible to deny the damage done by the atomic bomb and the inhumane massacre of the people who lived there, the atomic bomb in historical terms was a success for two reasons. First, it ended World War ll by forcing Japan to surrender (Nuclear News). In addition, the drop of the atomic bomb also sent a powerful message to the Soviet Union about the strength of the U.S. and its allies (Granieri, 2011).

Sixty-nine years ago, was the year that the most deadliest kind of weapon was put to use. The Atomic Bomb was used twice on Japan during World War II. There are many devastating facts on this topic, but the most facts that people wonder about are the following: the reasons for this attack, Who made the decision and why, What are the names of the Atomic bombs, and what was the outcome of this decision?

Angelina Jolie said, “Without pain, there would be no suffering, without suffering we would never learn from our mistakes. To make it right, pain and suffering is the key to windows, without it, there is no way of life.” On August 6, 1945 the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a small city whose death toll rises to 90,000-166,000. On August 9th, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, 60,000–80,000 . In total, 15 million people lost their lives during the duration of the Second World War. In John Hersey's book, Hiroshima, he provides a detailed account of six people and how the bombing of Hiroshima affected their lives. John Heresy felt it was important to focus his story on six individuals to create a remembrance that war affects more than just nations and countries, but actual human beings. Moreover, the book details the effect the bomb had on the city of Hiroshima. “Houses all around were burning, and the wind was now blowing hard.” (Hersey, 27). Before the bomb, there existed few laws to govern the use of a weapon of this magnitude because of the complexity and modern technology that the bomb used. To address the fears of the use of the atomic bomb, new laws were created to govern its use. The atom bomb should have been dropped on Japan in order to prevent the further use of such a destructive force.

The advancing technology and knowledge about the atomic power shifted culture and consciousness of the people. The likelihood of a nuclear war was close, but far; this possibility was a terrifying suddenness. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki clearly portrayed the power of only two atomic bombs. The attack completely obliterated the two cities and killed millions of people. Although Japan’s surrender contributed to the Allies’ victory during World War II, the effects of the bomb were unforgettable. The use of these bombs also created controversy on whether it was moral and justifiable to kill millions of people in order to end a war. It was consequently with no time when people began to wonder what new bombs would do to create greater damage. The ominous forebodings of the Cold War made fear a constant companion to not only the people living in the early 20th century, but also to the millions of those not born yet at the time.

Government secrecy, censorship and discoveries were made during the process of creating a deadly weapon. On August 6th, 1945, one of the bombs, ‘Little Boy’ was dropped in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. On August 9th, 1945, the second bomb created, ‘Fat Man’ was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. Only two of four bombs created were used in war ever. WWII is the only time nuclear weapons were used in battle ever in the world. The outcome was a calamity for the citizens of Japan as over a hundred thousand citizens died. Although the atomic bomb did help America in the war, there is speculation and arguments discussed whether or not these bombs were beneficial to the nation or overall, necessary. However, there is no doubt that the creation and discovery of atomic weaponry greatly impacted America in various ways and is ess...

Holloway, David, Stalin and the Bomb: The Soviet Union and Atomic Energy 1939–1956, (New Haven:Yale University Press, 1994).