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10 Things To Know About The Atomic Bomb During World War II

When governments want to scare other countries they start by increasing their military weapons. During WWII, everything was about destruction and of course, without a doubt, the atomic bomb was one of the most destructive weapons ever used. A lot of lives were lost because of this invention that changed the path of human history forever.

At the time, there was a race between the Axis powers and the Allied countries to see who would have better weapons and because of this, it led to catastrophic results and long-term implications.  Let’s take a look at the 10 things to know about the atomic bombs during WWII and the effects that they had on the world. Whether you’re interested in history or you’re just curious about one of the most important events of the 20th century, this is the article for you.

1. The Manhattan Project

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A lot of plans that countries involved in WWII made were shrouded in secrecy, a good example is the United States government who began the Manhattan Project in 1942. In honour of the American Army Corps of Engineers(which was in charge of the project), the name Manhattan Engineer District was created.

This project was so big that Albert Einstein was one of the leading scientists involved, the idea was to build a weapon that was intended to harness the potential of nuclear fission and would completely end the war with Japan.  The Manhattan Project was a massive project that cost billions of dollars and included tens of thousands of Americans.

2. The race to create the bomb

Everything to do with WWII was to do with dominance, all countries involved wanted to be superior to the other. The greatest enemies at the time, Germany and the United States competed for technological dominance in the high-stakes race to develop the atomic bomb.

When Einstein warned President Roosevelt that the Germans were already creating an atomic bomb the American government heavily funded the Manhattan project in an effort to create a weapon before the Germans did. Germany’s nuclear programme was led by physicist Werner Heisenberg and for a long time, neither of the Allies knew what the Nazis were up to. While all countries were nervously waiting to see what their enemies were up there was a lot of scientific and technological advancement that happened.

3. The decision to use the bomb

President Harry S. Truman approved the use of the bomb as he thought it was necessary to end the war. However, many have questioned whether it was necessary to use such a powerful weapon that killed tens of thousands of human beings.

Even though they were in the middle of war there are many people who felt that the U.S. government could have sought a diplomatic solution instead, although it was a reaction to the Pearl Harbour bombing it was also used to demonstrate American power and deter the Soviet Union, the use of the atomic bomb is still a subject that many debates about.

4. United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima

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We cannot fail to talk about Hiroshima and Nagasaki because it was simply catastrophic, the atomic bomb left the whole city in ashes and rubble. The people who were there were left stumbling through the streets with scorched and blistering flesh. The bomb instantaneously killed an estimated 70,000 people and injured tens of thousands more.  Before the explosions, Hiroshima was a thriving industrial hub with a population of about 300,000 people, while Nagasaki had about 200,000 people. The bombings caused unimaginable pain and destruction for the residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki yet years later the cities have been rebuilt and transformed into thriving hubs of innovation, trade and culture.

5. The use of atomic bombs ushered in a new era of warfare

Though at the time the use of atomic weapons seemed like the wisest solution the truth is all it did was heighten fear and was also an entry into warfare. Tensions grew between the United States and the Soviet Union and the spread of nuclear weapons globally was now the only way to survive. The bombings that took place at the time were completely unnecessary and are a reminder that diplomacy in the face of conflict is both still shaped by the effects of these weapons during WWII.

6. Atomic bombs caused long-term health consequences

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In the midst of this horrific experience, there were survivors and these survivors either had acute burns and injuries or later suffered from long-term health issues like cancer, birth defects and other radiation-related ailments.

Life didn’t just continue as normal after this horrible incident instead, many survivors went through serious health issues due to radiation exposure which went on for decades after the exposure. The Hiroshima and Nagasaki incident reminds us of the destructive potential of nuclear weapons and emphasis the necessity of continued efforts to stop their use completely.

7. The atomic bombs played a key role in ending WWII

It is unfortunate that in the end, it had come to such a massive action for WWII to end. After the bombings, Japan had no choice but to submit without any conditions, of course, it is still debatable whether the bombings were necessary to reach this conclusion but in the end, they did play a key role in the war’s eventual resolution. However, the war may have ended but what came after was a lot of tension which led to the Cold War and nuclear weapons race as well as the rise of the Soviet Union and the United States as the two leading superpowers in the postwar era.

8. The beginning of the nuclear age

As mentioned above, the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings only triggered other countries into the nuclear age. This was a season where there was an endless creation and use of nuclear weapons during WWII, this also escalated tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union and even though they tried to manage each other through policies countries silently continued to create their own armaments.

Years after that, more advanced and dangerous nuclear weapons have been created and there have been a number of breakthroughs in nuclear technology as well as research. There have been efforts made to stop the consequences of the nuclear age’s legacy but it is still a challenge.

9. The arms race and Cold War tensions

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One thing the bombings did was solidify America’s position as the world’s leading military power and sent a powerful message to the Soviet Union that they were prepared and willing to use nuclear weapons if it was necessary. This created tension that created the Cold War and the arms race.

Soviet officials felt the need to build up their own nuclear weapons which led to the arms race, a period when the two countries did nothing but race to create nuclear weapons. You can only imagine the tension and anxiety that was there in both countries and as a result, there came the development of the nuclear deterrence strategy where each side tried to stop the other from launching a nuclear strike. 

10. Calls for nuclear disarmament

The fact that other countries were now participating in the arms race meant that there was a possibility that sooner or later a catastrophic event would take place. Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings marked a turning point in human history which led to a worldwide call for disarmament. Countries have since been in talks about holding back from creating any more weapons and that the world should be devoid of nuclear weapons, but is that happening? not exactly, there are still more than 13,000 nuclear weapons in use and some countries continue to work on their development. 

All that happened during WWII continues to rank among the most horrible and appalling incidences in human history. We live in a time where international affairs are handled differently in most parts of the world and we continue to learn from this incident that happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. All governments must continue to work towards a nuclear-weapons-free world where the atrocities of the atom

In conclusion, the development and use of the atomic bomb during World War II continue to rank among the most contentious and significant occurrences in human history. We now regard war and international affairs very differently since they brought about the nuclear age. The lessons learnt from this incident continue to influence our current world, serving as a constant reminder of the terrible effects of conflict and the value of international collaboration and diplomacy.

We must keep working towards a nuclear-weapons-free world where the atrocities of the atomic bomb are never again committed, as we pause to remember this historic tragedy. It is up to each and every one of us to take what we can from the past and work towards a better, more tranquil tomorrow.