The Devastation of Hiroshima & Nagasaki
The only use of an atomic bomb in combat was in World War II by America in 1945. On August 6, 1945, and August 9, 1945, two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan: one on Hiroshima and one on Nagasaki. The immediate effects of the bombings were highly destructive. It is estimated that between 42,000 and 93,000 people perished or were injured immediately after the atomic bomb hit Hiroshima and that between 60,000 and 70,000 people immediately perished or were injured after the atomic bomb hit Nagasaki. Most people within a 500 meter radius of the bombings perished immediately, or quickly after the bombings. Total casualties, including deaths and injuries for both bombings total to around 199,000 people. Both cities were left in ruins after the bombings. Both cities struggled to rebuild from the wreckage the atomic bombs had left.
Prolonged Effects
The high radioactivity of the atomic bomb left devastating prolonged effects on the health of Japanese citizens. The bombs caused citizens to have many injuries due to trauma such as scars and other physical disfigurations, but many injuries were caused by the radioactivity of the bombs. Radioactive waves resulted in hair loss, anemia, loss of white blood cells and diarrhea. Later on, the radiation caused more serious infirmities such as blood abnormalities, sterility in both males and females, leukemia, cataracts, keloids, and many cancers.
Sadako Sasaki & The Thousand Origami Cranes
Still remembered by Japanese citizens today, Sadako Sasaki was a mere two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima, Japan near her home. Miraculously, Sadako survived with what looked like minimal injury. In 1954, Sadako began to notice swelling around her neck and ears and was quickly hospitalized after being diagnosed with leukemia, which resulted from the radiation of the atomic bomb. While at the hospital, Sadako heard of a Japanese story that stated whoever could fold 1000 origami cranes would be granted a wish. Sadako completed her goal of folding 1000 of these cranes, but sadly, her condition worsened and she perished on October 25, 1955 at the young age of 12. This young girl is commemorated throughout Japan today and is often regarded as a symbol for the impact of nuclear war. The Japanese celebrate "Peace Day" on August 6 which is dedicated to Sadako Sasaki.
Inciting the Cold War
Many historians believe that by dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, America indirectly started the Cold War. Many think that one of the reasons American government dropped the atomic bombs was to let the world know who would be the dominant power after World War II was officially over and to convince the USSR to loosen their control over eastern Europe. Historians believe that once Stalin found out Americans had developed a nuclear weapon, he ordered Soviet scientists to make their own nuclear weapon which sparked the beginning of the nuclear arms race. The utilisation of the atomic bomb on Japan was not only seen as a way to get the Japanese to surrender, but as a way to intimidate the USSR and this indirectly caused tensions between Americans and Soviets and thus began the Cold War.