3. Conflict in the Pacific Flashcards
Front
Back
When and where was the first atomic bomb dropped?
August 6, 1945, on Hiroshima.
What was the immediate impact of the Hiroshima bombing?
Approximately 70,000-80,000 people killed instantly.
What percentage of Hiroshima was destroyed?
Over 90% of the city was destroyed.
When and where was the second atomic bomb dropped?
August 9, 1945, on Nagasaki.
What was the immediate impact of the Nagasaki bombing?
Approximately 40,000 people killed instantly.
Why was Nagasaki significant?
It was a significant industrial city contributing to Japan’s war effort.
What psychological impact did the atomic bombings have on Japan?
Created a sense of inevitable defeat among Japanese leadership.
How did the atomic bombings influence Emperor Hirohito?
He intervened and advocated for surrender.
Were the atomic bombings the sole factor in Japan’s defeat?
No, they were critical but not exclusive factors.
What were the economic factors leading to Japan’s defeat?
Blockades and bombings crippled industrial capacity; shortages of fuel, food, and materials.
What military defeats weakened Japan?
Battles such as Midway and the effective Allied island-hopping campaign.
What strategic errors did Japan make?
Overextension in the Pacific and failure to adapt tactics.
How did Allied unity contribute to Japan’s defeat?
Successful coordination and effective leadership by Allied forces.
How did the Soviet Union’s entry into the war affect Japan?
The Soviet invasion of Manchuria added pressure and demoralized Japan.
