Advertisement

Days That Shook The World: Hiroshima

During the final stages of World War II in 1945, the United States conducted two atomic bombings against the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, the first on August 6, 1945 and the second on August 9, 1945.

For six months, the United States had made use of intense strategic fire-bombing of 67 Japanese cities. Together with the United Kingdom, and the Republic of China the United States called for a surrender of Japan in the Potsdam Declaration. The Japanese government ignored this ultimatum. By executive order of President Harry S. Truman, the U.S. dropped the nuclear weapon “Little Boy” on the city of Hiroshima on Monday, August 6, 1945, followed by the detonation of “Fat Man” over Nagasaki on August 9. These two events are the only active deployments of nuclear weapons in war.The target of Hiroshima was a city of considerable military importance, containing Japan’s Second Army Headquarters, as well as being a communications center and storage depot.

Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000–80,000 in Nagasaki, with roughly half of the deaths in each city occurring on the first day. The Hiroshima prefectural health department estimates that, of the people who died on the day of the explosion, 60% died from flash or flame burns, 30% from falling debris and 10% from other causes. During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness. In a US estimate of the total immediate and short term cause of death, 15–20% died from radiation sickness, 20–30% from flash burns, and 50–60% from other injuries, compounded by illness. In both cities, most of the dead were civilians.

Six days after the detonation over Nagasaki, on August 15, Japan announced its surrender to the Allied Powers, signing the Instrument of Surrender on September 2, officially ending the Pacific War and therefore World War II. Germany had signed its Instrument of Surrender on May 7, ending the war in Europe. The bombings led, in part, to post-war Japan’s adopting Three Non-Nuclear Principles, forbidding the nation from nuclear armament. The role of the bombings in Japan’s surrender and the U.S.’s ethical justification for them, as well as their strategical importance, is still debated.

Join The Conversation

61 Comments / User Reviews

Leave Your Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Armed with the power of Thy Name nothing can ever hurt me and with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm me.
    -Baha’u’llah-

  2. This is not ‘Days That Shook The World: Hiroshima’.

  3. very emotional and informative video hope and pray nothing like this would ever happen again

  4. This is a lesson of what nationalism can bring. And the responses from this page is further evidence against nationalism. Fuck you nationalistic pride, fuck your “God” and your “saviour”… we have one planet, this is history, wake up to yourselves

  5. I agree with truth. A shameful act of pure evil. War is Hell. Hell is Evil. It doesn’t change a thing. Without going into the litany of reasons for dropping the bomb and the two or three against. Let me just say. The nature of man is what it is, how you choose to react or deal with it is up to you. But when your involved in the biggest blood bath that the world has ever seen, against a proud people lead by fanatical ancient Samurai nut jobs, who could care less if their own people were dying, and you have a chance to put an end to it. It would have been pure evil if we hadn’t dropped the bomb. Just be thankful the Emperor turned out to love his people more than his pride.

  6. A Shameful act of pure evil, regardless of how you try to justify it.

  7. This documentary was laid out as well as possible considering photographic technology that was available at the time. The horrors of the nuclear bomb, as we all know are very shocking, as are the horrors of any war. The Japenese people are no better or worse than the Germans were and their masses were mislead by their rulers into thinking that they would be better of with the victory of their actions. Well…it didn’t happen, fortunately for us and for the world, and the threat of nuclear enialation has been on all our minds. Now, so many “Super Powers” have nuclear weapons, but as yet have not used them in any of their “Political Conflicts”, anywhere in the world. This horrifying destructive power has played a major role in keeping “World Peace”! What I find extremely scary and disturbing are the comments made by some of viewers listed above. It worries me that people like this live among us and are producing offspring that will grow up like them…poor little bastards!

  8. oh fuck up and get over it.its in the past.its over now.stop dwelling on shit that someone else made decisions for.you cant change it you wankers so stop posting fucking stupid discussions and pretending to be intellectual.get a fucking life and do something constructive.

  9. War Crimes! poor civilians, why not hit the emperors place? Ruled by an asshole, I think some Japanese were good? but it had to end, not like this!

  10. Lixtetraxx’s latest comment
    is dfiffcult to read due to the narrowing of columns, and so to quote: “I
    have nothing else to say! Sino-Japanese wars seems to excuse the bombing of
    innocent poeple, so…. I have no more time to loose on that hypocrit historic
    nonsense discussion. I shared my pointand still believe in it! The BOMB was not
    the solution and if your a Chinese, please stop playing the victim. Your
    country as its share of atrocity and colonialism tryout. Look within your own border
    or Tibet or Taiwan! This was my last words for you folks. Have a good
    day…”

    (1) I am not Chinese and so your last few sentences are irrelevant.

    (2) The actions of China in respect to Tibet & Taiwan are unrelated to the atrocities committed
    by the Japanese during the 1930s & 1940s, and your comments about them appear to be a tactic to avoid the subject under discussion.  
    (3) “The BOMB was not the solution” I never claimed it was. However,
    I do challenge your claims that Japan is to be excused the atrocities it committed
    during the 1930s & 1940s because of your false claim they were defending
    themselves.

    (4) And, as asked previously by another contributor, explain “what these
    actions by the Chinese were against the Japanese.”

    (5)  The only hypocrisy seen on these recent comments is from you when
    you complained about the extreme reactions from others whilst spewing forth
    profanities and threats.

    • From the beginning of this long and useless discusion I stated that nothing could ever excuse what Japan did in China during WW2 or in the first Sino-Japanese war 1894-1895. And your also right by saying that China never invade Japan, but my exemple was to show the point that every country have its own (how can I say it in english) skeleton in the closet… Also my point was against USA! They had a new toy try and they where looking for a reason to join in the war so lets bomb Japan! Do you think for a second that they did that to stop atrocities in China… They where probably sponsoring it!!!

      If you know history so much you must also know that every territorial expanding tactics made in Manchuria (for exemple) where known only by the forces present in that precise territory. Japanese soldiers situated in mainland Japan or in Okinawa (for exemple) where not aware of that situation! What happen in China was directed by men like Shiro Ishii, a sadistic, ego-maniac manipulator. Japan in general was not aware of what men like him where doing. War never show the best faces of mens! So did the BOMB on the town of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was necessary?

      Well let me doubt in that! And also you say that I “spewing forth profanities and threats” He! EXCUSE ME but I was not the first to use words like that, remember that I am an Evil Cunt. After my first attempt to share my thought about this documentary I was greeted with shit, so I decide to talk the same way!

      When I say that Japan was giving back what they received for 3 thousands years I was not necessarly talking about China for Christ Sake! Now think the way a strategic military men would think while observing the Communist make their way in all this shit…You have to agree that China would be strategicly well placed to perform any invasion… Japan (some mens…) made a big mistake in those two Sino-Japanese war to expand their territory. Well China did the same in other countrys, Mongolia did it in Japan, France, UK, Portugal and Spain did the same in Asia, Africa and even here in Canada! My own people where killed by Fu***** Loyalist to the queen of England for land expanding reasons!

      So lets all blow up the planets together! Dont you think it would be the solution? I wish all that discussion never happened! Sorry to have shared my views with you guys! Even in English for christ sake!!! No wonder you get me all wrong…

      End
      P.S. You guys are great, your all right, everybody else is wrong… You win! Now can I continue my miserable life without having to reply to this post?

      • I do believe you have lost your mind. Japan attacked the United States first. Japan started it, We the United States finished it. People of Japan let the government run wild to dominate the world as Japan believed that was their true calling. United States was neutral until Japan dragged us in to the war. We did not ask for the attack on Pearl Harbour. Two bombs saved millions of people. We tested the bomb in the United Stated and did not use Japan as a test subject. Just think. If the US didnt drop the bombs, we would have invaded Japan at the cost of one million US soldiers and Japan would be speaking english as a first language. My opinion is the we should have done more and captured Japan and made it a US territory just for the sake of japan attacking the United States on a sunday morning while most people were going to church. Japan got what they asked for. Dont start something you cant finish. Obviously by your comments you still have old japanese beliefs and that shows me we didnt go far enough.

  11. My final thought on this documentary is as follow:

    It is a greatly built doc, but I think some little thing are missing. Now I do not believe and will never believe that the solution was the Bomb…

    Finally, if some assholes feel the need to throw shit at my comments then go for it…

  12. And I agree with “mal”.

  13. So many things are missing from this video. At least the depicted Hiroshima as a calm city. During WW2 the Japanese where only defending their territory, frighten by the Russian to the north and the Chinese to the west. They where only giving back what they received for 3 thousand years! The Americans had a new toy to play with, end of story… Well.. its more complicated than that but for those of you who know history a bit, you will understand what I mean…

    Sorry for my bad English writing

    • Was the Rape of Nanking defending Japan?

      Was the indescribable horrors at Unit 731 defending Japan?

      Was the torture, starvation & working to death of thousands Allied POWs defending Japan?

      Was the enslavement of untold numbers from across SE Asia defending Japan?

      There’s nothing to criticise about your use of English, however your comment was despicable and shows either absolute ignorance or contemptible bigotry & nationalism.

    • Was the Rape of Nanking defending Japan?

      Was the indescribable horrors at Unit 731 defending Japan?

      Was the torture, starvation & working to death of thousands Allied POWs defending Japan?

      Was the enslavement of untold numbers from across SE Asia defending Japan?

      There’s nothing to criticise about your use of English, however your comment was despicable and shows either absolute ignorance or contemptible bigotry & nationalism.

      • Don’t forget the Bataan death march AND the POWs that were forced in air raid shelters doused with gasoline and burned alive, that is what the Japs did to the Allies. Watch the mini series The Pacific about REAL people that fought the disgusting animals the Marines called Japs. They stunk so bad the veterans said you could smell them coming. They and the Germans were brain washed from childhood by evil land grabbers, grew up with poisoned minds like the Islamafacists are teaching in the Madras schools of today. If you are not muslim you Die it was the same brainwashing, read some history you stupid punks. They are ignorant punks Donny.

      • For six months before the atomic bombings, the United States intensely fire-bombed 67 Japanese cities. Together with the United Kingdom and the Republic of China, the United States called for a surrender of Japan in the Potsdam Declaration on July 26, 1945. The Japanese government ignored this ultimatum. By executive order of President Harry S. Truman, the U.S. dropped the nuclear weapon “Little Boy” on the city of Hiroshima on Monday, August 6, 1945,[3][4] followed by the detonation of “Fat Man” over Nagasaki on August 9.

        some dates for you guys to fight over…..

      • For six months before the atomic bombings, the United States intensely fire-bombed 67 Japanese cities. Together with the United Kingdom and the Republic of China, the United States called for a surrender of Japan in the Potsdam Declaration on July 26, 1945. The Japanese government ignored this ultimatum. By executive order of President Harry S. Truman, the U.S. dropped the nuclear weapon “Little Boy” on the city of Hiroshima on Monday, August 6, 1945,[3][4] followed by the detonation of “Fat Man” over Nagasaki on August 9.

        some dates for you guys to fight over…..

      • Donny you can read my main reply below but I wish to add this:

        What Japanese did in China is unexcusable! That is certain! But dont you thing the Chinese regime showed us similar action in the past? Did western Japan deserved this bombing?

      • Donny you can read my main reply below but I wish to add this:

        What Japanese did in China is unexcusable! That is certain! But dont you thing the Chinese regime showed us similar action in the past? Did western Japan deserved this bombing?

        • “But dont you thing the Chinese regime showed us similar action in the past?”

          When?

          • lol! And your the one saying i’m ignorant….

          • Come on then explain to us all what these actions by the Chinese were against the Japanese.

          • I stated my final thought already! Poor guy! Every country have its own wrong actions in history and China is FAR from perfect! Now if dropping a bomb is the solution then lets blow the entire planet!

            Remind your little fucking head that they dropped the bomb on innocent people, not on the Japanese army!

            That is my last statement in this futile discussion! So go back to your little life and fuck yourself with false idea and propaganda…

          • I stated my final thought already! Poor guy! Every country have its own wrong actions in history and China is FAR from perfect! Now if dropping a bomb is the solution then lets blow the entire planet!

            Remind your little fucking head that they dropped the bomb on innocent people, not on the Japanese army!

            That is my last statement in this futile discussion! So go back to your little life and fuck yourself with false idea and propaganda…

        • “But dont you thing the Chinese regime showed us similar action in the past?”

          When?

        • “But dont you thing the Chinese regime showed us similar action in the past?”

          When?

      • Lixtetraxx  – fuck off you evil cunt.

      • Lixtetraxx  – fuck off you evil cunt.

        • lol You guys need to calm down. I am not excusing Japan for what they did during WW2, I am just saying that many things are missing from this documentary. I can agree however that they at least show a calm image of the Japanese community.

          I also say that the Japanese where hitting back for 3 thousands years of constant attacks try out form China and other surrounding coutry, but I am not excusing them for what they did to Chinese peoples!

          History always tend to twist depending on the person telling the story. You must know that Donny. Lets say I have a Canadian point of view. Also my wife being Japanese, it give me another angle on the WW2 events in Japan. If this view angle is wrong…well. I am sorry but I was not there so…

          But I still believe the American organized a lot of those events to their will, desperatly looking for a target. A target to try their new invention…

          And “Guest” please… Dont you have better thing to say! I do not agree with the reply of Donny but he, at least, tried to develop is idea…

          • “lol”

            Laugh Out Loud ?!?!

            You’re laughing at the idea of millions being tortured and killed.You really are an evil cunt.

          • “lol”

            Laugh Out Loud ?!?!

            You’re laughing at the idea of millions being tortured and killed.You really are an evil cunt.

          • You don’t agree .. why? The events he described happened. 

          • Your stupid or what? I do not laugh at that and you know it! I laugh at the extreme of your reactions! And I do not agree with him because he treated me of ignorant!

            Where are you from to react that way? Chinese? American? Anyway your just a little piece of shit! You would be in front of me and never talk to me like this! You would lose all your teeth pretty quick!

            If the internet is the only place you can express your frustration then… go… I do not mind.

          • You wrote “LOL” which stands for Laugh Out Loud. That is wholly inappropriate for the subject being discussed.

            That you resort to pointless threats shows you as being what you are: a cowardly troll.

            And you were lucky to be treated as ignorant because that is what your initial comment was at best, and there are plenty of other less complimentary descriptions that could be used.

            Now go and read some books to find out what horrors the Japanese committed during the 1930s & 1940s.

          • My LOL as you say it was not about the horrors of the WW2 but about the extreme of the ractions…

            Now if you can’t understand that go to hell! I do not need to read about WW2 I am sure I already know subject way batter than you little frustrated piece of shit!

          • My LOL as you say it was not about the horrors of the WW2 but about the extreme of the ractions…

            Now if you can’t understand that go to hell! I do not need to read about WW2 I am sure I already know subject way batter than you little frustrated piece of shit!

          • The use
            of “LOL” was inappropriate for the subject. That you now claim it was
            aimed at the ‘ractions’ does alter this.

             

            It is hypocritical
            of you to comment about the extreme reactions from others given your irrational
            and profanity strewn comments.

            “I do not need to read about WW2” If you believe that Japan’s actions during
            the 1930s & 1940s were about defending itself then you certainly do  “need to read about WW2”

             

            “I
            am sure I already know subject way batter than you.” You have no idea how
            much I know about WWII.

          • If you take everything literally its your problem not mine. You guys feel the need to bash on me, ok, but please….stop playings the little genius! You fucking know nothing more than others concerning decisions made by the Japanese state during WW2. History is always distorted by the historian! I do not know from which country you and your little fellows are and, honestly, I dont care, but let me tell you one last thing about my posts!

            From the beginning what I always stated is as follow: I will never believe taht THE BOMB was the solution!!!!!

            If you dont agree with that your fucking stipid m8!

          • Oh and by the way my “irrational
            and profanity strewn comments” as you put it, became agressives after two guys treated me of “ignorant, evil cunt…”!

            So read back everything from the beginning!

          • I do not feel the need to bash you personally, but your comments deserved to be challenged as they were severely flawed and insulating.

            That others reacted in such an extreme fashion should have caused you to think why.  

          • I have nothing else to say! Sino-Japanese wars seems to excuse the bombing of innocent poeple, so…. I have no more time to loose on that hypocrit historic nonsense discussion. I shared my point and still believe in it! The BOMB was not the solution and if your a Chinese, please stop playing the victim. Your country as its share of atrocity and colonialism tryout. Look within your own border or Tibet or Taiwan!

            This was my last words for you folks. Have a good day…

          • I have nothing else to say! Sino-Japanese wars seems to excuse the bombing of innocent poeple, so…. I have no more time to loose on that hypocrit historic nonsense discussion. I shared my point and still believe in it! The BOMB was not the solution and if your a Chinese, please stop playing the victim. Your country as its share of atrocity and colonialism tryout. Look within your own border or Tibet or Taiwan!

            This was my last words for you folks. Have a good day…

          • You don’t agree .. why? The events he described happened. 

  14. So many things are missing from this video. At least the depicted Hiroshima as a calm city. During WW2 the Japanese where only defending their territory, frighten by the Russian to the north and the Chinese to the west. They where only giving back what they received for 3 thousand years! The Americans had a new toy to play with, end of story… Well.. its more complicated than that but for those of you who know history a bit, you will understand what I mean…

    Sorry for my bad English writing

  15. Truman should have been hung for war crimes after ww2. This was the single worst act of terrorism against humanity in history..

    • listen mate you’re bein terrorised by your own government every day and you haven’t enough life experience to realise it.grow a set of balls and learn whats happenin around you.

  16. wow thats crazy.. I really do feel sorry for the japenese..I really dont know why the congress and president allowed the americans to drop the bomb on the japenese..to me I think it was a creul decision

  17. One can only hope that this episode in history does not happen again. Tragic loss of life for a stupid ideal.

  18. This is an amazing story, love the history behind it all.

  19. But there are still people saying stuff like: ‘But I’m a good person, I don’t deserve hell!’
    I hope by watching this video you realise that humanity is evil and that you need a saviour. We are all murderers, liars, thieves and so on. If it is active or passive does not matter.

  20. Gold bless the Americunts for giving the world peace and helping mankind.