Mell How did atomic weapons alter the balance of power?
The use of atomic weapons changed the nature of war, altered the balance of power and began the nuclear age. The dropping of the atomic bombs in Japan is considered the beginning of the nuclear age. The use of these bombs introduced a new type of weapon capable of mass destruction.
Why did America drop atomic bombs on Japan?
The explicit reason was to swiftly end the war with Japan. But it was also intended to send a message to the Soviets. Ever since America dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945, the question has persisted: Was that magnitude of death and destruction really needed to end World War II?
When did they start working on the atomic bomb?
In April 1941 the Imperial Army Air Force authorized research toward the development of an atomic bomb. During the war, Japanese nuclear efforts were severely handicapped by the effects of the war on their industrial economy.
When did the US drop the atomic bomb on Japan?
After the Interim Committee decided to drop the bomb, the Target Committee determined the locations to be hit, and President Truman issued the Potsdam Proclamation as Japan’s final warning, the world soon learned the meaning of “complete and utter destruction.” The first two atomic bombs ever used were dropped on Japan in early August, 1945.
How did the atomic bomb end World War 2?
The atomic bombings were devastating. The surrender that they hoped to accomplish with the bombings came on 15 August 1945, six days after the bombing of Nagasaki. Thus the last member of the Axis had surrendered effectively ending World War 2.
What was the impact of the atomic bomb on the environment?
Many Americans became concerned about the health and environmental effects of nuclear fallout—the radiation left in the environment after a nuclear blast—in the wake of World War II and after extensive nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific during the 1940s and 1950s.