Atomic Bomb Essay Flashcards
What was one reason for justifying the use of the atomic bomb?
Unwillingness of Japan to surrender.
Japanese soldiers were expected to either return home victorious or die, with significant casualties in battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
What was the estimated range of US casualties if the atomic bombs were not dropped?
100,000 to 1 million US casualties, and 5-10 million Japanese casualties.
This was based on planned operations Downfall and Ketsugo.
What was the purpose of Operation Ketsugo?
To kill all US soldiers in Kyushu with intent to inflict more death than atomic bombs.
Estimated casualties included ~900,000 Japanese forces and ~766,700 US losses.
What was one reason against Japan’s actions during the war?
Damage and harm done by Japan.
Japan was known for inhumane treatment of P.O.W.s, such as those on the Burma-Thailand Railway.
How many Allied P.O.W.s died on the Burma-Thailand Railway?
Approximately 16,000 out of 60,000 Allied P.O.W.s.
The harsh conditions contributed to high mortality rates.
What was the significance of Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor?
It eliminated 19 US warships and 300 aircraft, resulting in about 2,400 US deaths.
This attack was a key event that escalated US involvement in World War II.
What was the impact of bombing populated areas?
Bombing targeted thriving cities with civilians instead of unpopulated areas.
Evidence shows hospitals were left unfunctional in hot cities.
What was the US’s intention during the Cold War?
The US wanted to show off its power to the USSR by targeting very populated cities.
This included contamination of food and water.
What was the population of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
The population of Hiroshima was approximately 255,000, and Nagasaki was around 195,000.
Japan was already considering surrender around the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
What were the effects of nuclear weapons?
Nuclear radiation caused significant harm, with survivors experiencing reduced life expectancy.
The first atomic bomb tests had not occurred yet, and temperatures reached 4000°C.
What did Einstein say about the atomic bomb?
“If I had foreseen Hiroshima and Nagasaki, I would have torn up my formula in Los Alamos.”
This reflects the personal impact of the atomic bomb on its creators.
What happened to the cities after the bombings?
Both cities were reduced to rubble and ash, and survivors had 2-3 years less life expectancy.
The first atomic bomb test took place in July 1945.
