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The Beginning
Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The day after, America declared war on Japan. A few days after that, Nazi Germany and its Axis partners declared war on the United States. This was the beginning of World War II. -
Before the bombing
On this date, the atom bomb was tested. "Little Boy" was not tested before it was actually launched. Many people were hesitant to the testing of the bomb because it could have caused a lot of distruction. -
"Little Boy"
On August 6, 1945, "Little Boy" was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. The bomb missed its target by about 800 feet. The Aioi Bridge was where they hoped the bomb would land. "Little Boy" was the first atom bomb ever made. It was a small victory for America over Germany because they had created the first successful atom bomb. 2 billion dollars of research was put into this monster. (Rosenburg, The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) -
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Radiation
Radiation had an intense impact on the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Radiation caused nausea and fevers. Next, a person would begin to loose their hair. The number of white blood cells they had in their body decresed. People began to slowly die. Radiation from the bomb is still effecting people today. Children have said to be born with birth defects caused by radiation of the parent. -
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Five Sad Years
The cloud of smoke and ash that the bomb had caused rose to a point of 40,000 feet high. 60,000 out of 90,000 buildings within three miles of the city, were destroyed. 70,000 people were said to be killed instantly by the blast. About 70,000 people died over the course of 5 years after the blast. Most were from injuries and radiation from "Little Boy." The total death count was an estimated 140,000 people. -
Radiation from Hiroshima
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Nagasaki
Another B-29 Bock's Car left Titan on August 9, 1945. The bomb was titled "Fat Man," and it exploded 1,650 feet above the city, Nagasaki, Japan. About 40% of Nagasaki was destroyed by "Fat Man." The terrain of Nagasaki did save most of the city from destruction. However, this bomb was more powerful than the one dropped of Hiroshima. Only about 70,000 out of 270,000 people died from "Fat Man." -
Japan Surrendering
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Surrender!
Japan began to consider surrendering on August 14, 1945. They were desperate because their major cities were destroyed. On September 2, 1945, Japan signed the official surrender document. The surrender of Japan was the end of World War II. -
Peace Comittee
Two years after the first atom bomb was dropped on the city, the people of HIroshima came together to mourn. (Liz Ronk, life.com) More surprisingly, the people came together to celebrate. They held a carnival to show the world they wanted peace. There was an increase of population and houses were rebuilt. The city of Hiroshima was not changed over night, but it were on its way. -
Hiroshima Today
Hiroshima today is now cleared of radiation. Most people saw the bomb as a monster. However, others saw the bomb as a new start and the end to a bloody war. There are many memorials throughout the city in memory of the blast. It reminds people of the most powerful force of all mankind, but also of the strength of the city for over coming it all. (life.com) -
Nagasaki, Today
Nagasaki is an area in Japan that is surrounded by mountains, and it was because of this that the mass destruction was confined. The blast was kept within a small 2.6 mile radius (bbc.co.uk). The overall damage from the bombing of "Fat Man" has been repaired and the only evidence left of it, is the memory that is within all the survivors that had to live through this life changing event for Japan.
