The survivors, known as hibakusha, often faced social stigma and discrimination in postwar Japan due to fears about radiation exposure.
The Bombing’s Role in Japan’s Surrender
The bombing of Hiroshima was followed three days later by the bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. In addition, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and launched a massive invasion of Japanese-held territories in Manchuria on August 8.
These combined shocks compelled Japan’s Emperor Hirohito and the government to surrender. On August 15, 1945, the Emperor made a historic radio address announcing Japan’s acceptance of the Allied terms, effectively ending World War II. The formal surrender ceremony took place aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945.
Ethical and Political Debates
The decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been intensely debated. Proponents argue that it hastened the end of the war, saving potentially millions of lives that would have been lost in a prolonged conflict or invasion. Critics contend that the bombings targeted civilians indiscriminately, causing unnecessary suffering and setting a dangerous precedent for nuclear warfare.
The bombings also inaugurated the nuclear arms race during the Cold War, raising concerns about global security, proliferation, and disarmament that persist today. shutdown123