-
Pearl Harbor
On December 7th, 1941 the Japanese launched an aerial assault on the U.S. naval base of Pearl Harbor located in Hawaii. It was an unexpected attack against us. Because of this attack, our U.S. pacific fleet was greatly crippled. It was an event that shocked the entire nation. -
War is Declared
The day following the Pearl Harbor incident, on president Roosevelt's request, the U.S. congress declared war against Japan. Following, on December 11th Japan's allies, Germany and Italy, declared war against America. -
The Race to Build an Atomic Bomb Begins
In the beginning of 1942, the race to build and use an atomic weapon, particualarly before Germany, began. Over two billion dollars was put into the production of the atomic bomb. This provided jobs. This is one way that jobs were provided to go with the war effort. -
Potsdam
On July 26th, 1945, unwanting to obliviate the Japanese city and naval base of Hiroshima, the U.S. arranged for an ultimatum to be made in Potsdam, Germany. The Japanese did not agree to the terms of the Potsdam declaration, which called for an unconditional surrender. This was the last chance that the country had in avoiding utter destruction. -
Hiroshima Bombing
At 8:15 on 6 August, 1945 the city of Hiroshima, Japan was bombed by the U.S. The bomb detonated 2,000 feet above the ground and 70,000 people were immeadiately killed. The bomb was dropped by the U.S. B-29 bomber plane, Enola Gay. The cloud reached a height of 40,000 feet and two thirds (4 square miles) of HIroshima, Japan was destroyed. -
Immediate Effects
Within three miles of the explosion 60,000 out of 90,000 buildings were destroyed. 140,000 casualties were direct effects from the bomb's raw power. A sum of 210,000 poeple died from the long-lasting effects of the radiation. Clay roof tiles had melted together, shadows were imprinted on buildings and other hard surfaces, and metal and stone had melted. -
Nagasaki
On the 9th of August, 1945, the U.S. dropped the bomb "Fat Man" on the naval base and city of Nagasaki, Japan. 74,000 people were killed. it was not as strong or damaging as the Hiroshima bombing, but it was still a horriffic blow to the Japanese. -
The Japanese Surrender
On the 14th of August, 1945, the Japanese gave into an unconditional surrender. This marked the end of the war between the U.S. and Japan. THe atomic bombs used were the only ones used during thid war and contributed greatly to the Japanese surrender. -
The Articles are Signed
On the 2nd of September, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, aboard the battleship Missouri, members of the Japanese government signed articles for their unconditional surrender. This war consumed two trillion dollars of the worlds wealth. MIllions were left homeless and Japan's empire was destroyed. -
Long-Term Effects
To this day, there is a memorial museum at ground zero in Hiroshima, Japan. Since August 1st, 1964, a peace flame has been burning there in memorial for the victims. It will burn until such weapons are no longer existent.
