The Wider Context of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
When did the United States use two atomic bombs?
"On 6 and 9 August 1945, the United States detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bomb killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, most of whom were civilians, and remain the only use of nuclear weapons in an armed conflict. Tens of thousands later die of radiation exposure."
Where did it start?
The Manhattan Project is one decision that changed the course of humanity. The decision to create the first atomic bomb.
The never-ending obsession with weapons is the most dangerous ambition humanity has pursued. The consequences have shaped the world. The beginning of the Manhattan Project can be dated to December, 1941. After a few years of development and consulting, it was agreed that an official nuclear research program was necessary. The Office of Scientific Research and Development was established and responsible for the program.
The intention of this weapon is complete annihilation. A weapon capable of removing an entire city off the map, in a single strike. In the process killing thousands, indiscriminately. The false pretence of defence is often used to justify the existence of these weapons. However, the world will not forget how they were first used in an "armed conflict."
The application of these weapons raises several questions regarding the consequences. It is only only humanity that is killed when using atomic weapons. The level of damage on the environment is something that also needs to be taken into consideration.
On the 6th of August, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. The second atomic bomb was dropped on the 9th of August, 1945, on Nagasaki.
What happened next?
The Emperor of Japan Hirohito announced an unconditional surrender in a radio address on the 15th of August, 1945. He referenced the annihilating power of “a new and most cruel bomb.” Finally, the Pacific Theatre of WW2 officially ended on the 2nd of September 1945. Due to the official signing of surrender documents by Japan.
The first question: was it necessary? No
The war in Europe ended on the 8th of May, 1945. The allies had defeated the vicious threat to humanity. It is worth noting that it was the "Red Army" (USSR military) that took control of Berlin. Logic should come to the realisation that the other active front would only have a few months at best. Weeks with negotiations by bringing other involved parties to the table for terms. Of course, with the understanding that there would be a middle ground.
The second question: Why?
To use these weapons at the end of a conflict with no immediate threat suggests there was an alternative reason. To send a message to the world. And it did send a shock-wave around the world.
When the US detonated two atomic bombs, it challenged the power of every nation. The perspective of warfare changed. This act was a clear external threat to every major power at the time. The US had a weapon that could, in a single strike, destroy everything. From a historical point of view, it is the biggest power play ever made. Aimed directly at the Soviet Union as they were considered as a challenger to US interests.
In 1949, the Soviet Union successfully detonated an atomic bomb. And the arms race began. It hasn’t stopped since the rules have only changed. And more countries have entered the race.
Concluding remarks:
WW2 arguably changed the course of the world. This impact has lasted longer than any other conflict prior to this historic conflict. The wider factors involved are what defined the shift in attitudes, alliances, and imperial interventions. Nagasaki and Hiroshima remain the only use of nuclear weapons in a conflict. And remember it was on civilian populations. There is no justification for targeting civilian populations. Especially with a weapon that destroys everything in its path, in the most indiscriminately manner. The decades since have only made the world a more dangerous place. The attempt of displaying absolute power has failed.
The biggest threat we still face is the encouragement of confrontations and conflicts by "administrators." As long as individuals and organisations can profit from suffering and death, we will not achieve mutual peace. The idea of Utopia will always be an imagined place for the optimistic. The perfect society is beyond the reach of humanity.
