Why in News?
- August 2025 marks the eightieth anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War.
- The commemorations prompt reflection on the causes, impact and ethical debates surrounding nuclear weapons.
Background and Prelude
- Japan’s attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in December 1941 drew the United States into World War II. The Pacific theatre then became the scene of brutal island‑hopping battles such as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
- Despite severe losses and conventional bombing raids, Japan did not agree to an unconditional surrender. The Allies issued the Potsdam Declaration in July 1945, warning of “prompt and utter destruction.”
- Meanwhile, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada had secretly developed atomic weapons under the Manhattan Project. The Trinity test in July 1945 confirmed that nuclear bombs were ready for deployment.
The Bombings
- Hiroshima – 6 August 1945: A B‑29 bomber named Enola Gay dropped a uranium‑based bomb nicknamed “Little Boy.” The blast and subsequent radiation killed an estimated 90,000–166,000 people, most of whom were civilians. The city was targeted for its military and industrial significance.
- Nagasaki – 9 August 1945: A plutonium‑based bomb named “Fat Man” was dropped after cloud cover prevented an attack on the primary target, Kokura. Around 60,000–80,000 people were killed. Nagasaki had several war‑related factories.
- Many victims suffered from burns, radiation sickness and injuries long after the explosions. Survivors (hibakusha) faced stigma and health problems for decades.
Why Were the Bombs Used?
- To avoid a land invasion: A planned invasion (Operation Downfall) was expected to cause huge Allied and Japanese casualties. Leaders believed that using the bomb would end the war sooner.
- To compel surrender: Conventional bombing and blockades had not forced Japanese leaders to capitulate. The sheer destructive power of the bomb was intended to shock the military leadership into surrendering.
- To limit Soviet influence: The Soviet Union declared war on Japan on 8 August 1945. By ending the war quickly, the US sought to limit Soviet advances in East Asia.
- To justify the Manhattan Project: The US had invested enormous resources in developing atomic weapons. There was political pressure to demonstrate their effectiveness.
Immediate Consequences
- Japan signalled its willingness to surrender on 10 August 1945 and formally accepted the terms on 14 August. The surrender was signed aboard the USS Missouri on 2 September 1945, ending World War II.
- The bombings accelerated the birth of the nuclear age. Nuclear weapons became central to post‑war security doctrines and subsequently triggered arms races.
Long‑Term Implications
- Nuclear proliferation: The bombings spurred other nations to develop their own nuclear capabilities, leading to ongoing debates over disarmament and non‑proliferation.
- Strategic doctrines: The concept of deterrence (threatening overwhelming retaliation to prevent attack) became central to Cold War politics.
- International law and ethics: The attacks influenced the development of humanitarian laws, including the Geneva Conventions, and fuelled debates on civilian protection and wartime morality.
Conclusion
The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended a devastating global conflict but introduced humanity to the spectre of nuclear annihilation. Eight decades later, they remain powerful reminders of both the horrors of war and the urgent need for disarmament and peace.