The United States detonated two nuclear weapons over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6th and 9th on 1945. These weapons were designed by American theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his six colleague scientists. Two distinct types of atomic bombs were developed Oppenheimer and his team: ‘Little Boy’ a uranium-based weapon and ‘Fat Man’ a plutonium-based explosive. The outcome of these bombs resulted merely in horrific casualties and devastation. The controversial debate notices that whilst the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki positively helped the war conclude faster, it can be argued as morally unacceptable by society as many innocent lives were lost from the two attacks.
The first atomic bomb that the American B-29 bomber deployed on Hiroshima wiped out 90% of the city; instantly killed 80,000 people and proceeded to take 55,000 more lives in the following days due to radiation poisoning (George, 2019). The second bomb was then dropped three days later, killing a total of 74,000 innocent people. Majority of these lives were ended by severe burns, lacerations and crushing damage from falling debris and collapsing buildings. Later, claims addressed that the bombing was unjustified as Germany, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria had already surrendered, leaving Japan with no allies. Additionally, the Japanese navy was almost depleted, the surrounding islands were under naval blockade and the city of Japan was under continuous concentrated air attacks (Combs, 2019). Majority of these deaths were on innocent civilians; all the American’s accomplished was destroying the lives of children and families and causing disheartening long-term effects from the bombs' aftermath.
An atomic explosion powerfully releases immense amounts of thermal energy and extensive heat. The heat of which can ignite ground fires and incinerate the entirety of a small city; the blast destroyed buildings from several miles of explosion. These widespread affects detrimentally effected the lives and lifestyles of innocent Japanese civilians. A report from a young sixth-grader who was unfortunately present during the bombing recalls “Bloated corpses were drifting in those seven formerly beautiful rivers”, smashing cruelly into bits the childish pleasure of the little girl, the peculiar odour of burning human flesh rose everywhere in the Delta City, which had changed to a waste of scorched earth. Chaos of widespread rubble, debris and hollowed out buildings were the results for the surviving victims. The surrounding environment become a nuclear waste field, where nothing could grow or be safe to live as there was too much radiation. The citizens of Japan were forced to clean-up and rebuild their city from the ashes; scavenging any unburned materials, as they had no resources or allies being war torn. Japan was forced to recover both physically and economically, for over a decade the Japanese were clearing the rubble and attempting to rebuild; it took approximately fifteen to twenty years for viable cities to be restored in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The $2 billion yen that was spent on restoration enlisted a large economic burden on the country.
Not only did the bombing pose devastating short-term torment, it had numerous unfavorable long-term effects due to the spread of radioactive material. Cancer rates among the fortunate survivors were 44% higher in comparison to rates previously in the town. Additionally, there was added risk for almost several decades post related to the radiation exposure surrounding the area. Higher rates of miscarriages and infant deaths were experienced by women exposed to the bombs. Whilst, the surviving children were more likely by 28% to have intellectual disabilities and impaired growth, as well as the increased risk of developing cancer.
Justification by the US for using the atomic bombs claims it was indeed necessary to end the world war and get Japan’s surrender. But was not Japan already defeated, and were they not already on the verge of surrender?
Truman, the US president at the time was well aware of the Japan’s situation as he received a telegram from the Japanese emperor asking for peace. Instead, the USA bombed Japan because they had lost 418,000 lives, both military and civilian and could not afford to lose more. The top rank in the military stated “many thousands of American troops would be killed in invading Japan” from this it is gathered that bombing Japan was more effective and easier. Thereby, they were selfish and inconsiderate of the innocent Japanese lives that were going to be lost due to their thoughtless decisions, as they cared precisely only to reduce American casualties to zero. Of which the US achieved their desired effects by causing maximum devastation to another country, leading to the Japanese surrender. However, was concluded after World War II that the atomic bombs were unnecessary, “the Japanese’s position was hopeless even before the first atomic bomb fell because the Japanese had lost control of their own air”, - stated Henry H. Arnold, commanding general of the US Army Air Forces, Pacific Flee. Hence, Japan would have surrendered prior to the bombs’ designation, even if Russia had not entered the war, or if the invasion has not been planned or contemplated.
Commander in chief of the US Pacific Fleet, Chester W. Nimitz claimed: “The Japanese had, in fact, already sued for peace. The atomic bombs played no decisive part from a purely military point of view in the defeat of Japan. The use of atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki was of no material assistance in our war against Japan. The Japanese were already defeated and ready to surrender”. This statement was made by American, who realized the use of atomic bombs violated basic human principles and caused inexcusable pain and torment for generations; an unjustifiable act that cannot be reconciled.
The atomic bombing was unjustifiable by the US as it was unnecessary to end the war and not only were many innocent people killed, it posed lifelong health implications, economic burden and unnecessary physical restoration. Additionally, the cost for the bombs’ development cannot be justified at a waste of almost $2 billion US.