The Nuclear Legacy: Hiroshima and Modern Japanese Society. Aleksandr Chichulin

caused a difficult choice – whether or not to use this terrible weapon. This decision set the tone for the development of the modern world and became an example of moral dilemmas in war.

      Participation of scientists and politicians in decision-making

      The decision-making process to use the atomic bomb against Japan has become a complex and crucial stage in the history of the United States. Scientists, politicians and military leaders were engaged in serious discussions about the consequences and ethical aspects of the use of nuclear weapons.

      On the one hand, the scientists who developed the atomic bomb felt responsible for their scientific achievements and faced the dilemma of whether to continue developing weapons of mass destruction or actively pursue peace. Some of them advocated warning Japan about the possible use of the atomic bomb, in the hope that this would force the Japanese to capitulate without the need for actual use of weapons.

      On the other hand, political leaders faced a number of difficult factors. During the war, the lives and safety of soldiers and citizens were a priority. The decision to use the atomic bomb seemed like a way to end the war and avoid even more casualties. But this decision also implied a conscious choice to use terrible weapons against peaceful cities where innocent people were suffering.

      US President Harry Truman, who made the key decision on the use of atomic bombs, faced difficult moral and political questions. His decision could have a huge impact on the course of the war and the fate of millions of people. He also had to take into account external factors, such as relations with the allies and the role of the United States in world politics after the end of the war.

      Thus, the decision to use the atomic bomb became a complex and multifaceted process that involved thinking about the consequences and moral dilemmas. The final decision was made in July and August 1945, when two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This decision changed the course of history and influenced global development, and its effects continue to be the subject of discussion and reflection today.

      Dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima

      Mission “Kid” and choosing Hiroshima as a target

      After successfully testing the first atomic bomb, codenamed “Trinity,” the United States was preparing to use this destructive weapon in a real combat operation. This mission was codenamed “Baby”.

      General Leslie Groves, commander of the Manhattan Project, presented five members of the US Supreme Military Committee with a plan for the use of an atomic bomb. He considered several potential targets, including major Japanese cities. However, to achieve maximum effect, a target was needed that would not only be an important military object, but would not yet be completely destroyed by conventional bombs.

      Thus, on August 6, 1945, the target was chosen – the city of Hiroshima, an industrial and administrative center in western Japan. The city had not been heavily bombed before and remained virtually untouched, making it an ideal site for determining the strength and destructive power of an atomic bomb.

      This decision was made with careful consideration and consideration of many factors. Although scientists and some politicians considered warning Japan about the impending use of an atomic bomb, the US leadership decided not to provide the Japanese with any preliminary information. They wanted the nuclear bomb to work as a surprise strike and show full destructive power.

      Thus, the morning of August 6, 1945 was a historic moment. The atomic bomb, called “Little Boy” (Kid), was dropped on Hiroshima. Within seconds, the city was turned into an inferno. A huge explosion and radioactive radiation destroyed most of the city and claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians.

      This event marked an important turning point in the history of World War II and ushered in a new era in human history – the era of the nuclear age. The choice of Hiroshima as the target for the use of the atomic bomb caused numerous disputes and debates, and still remains one of the most controversial moments in the history of world conflict.

      August 6, 1945: the moment of dumping and destruction

      The morning of August 6, 1945, was the culmination of months of work on the Manhattan Project and careful preparation for Operation Kid. At 08: 15 a.m. Japanese time, a B-29 Enola Gay bomber lifted the Little Boy atomic bomb in the sky over Hiroshima.

      The bomber’s commander, Colonel Paul Tibbets, named the atomic bomb after his youngest son. He and his crew were well aware of the importance and responsibility of their mission. The mission was high-stress and full of risk-to drop the first atomic bomb in the history of mankind on a city with a civilian population.

      Approaching Hiroshima, the crew of the Enola Gay noticed a small haze over the city. It was related to atmospheric conditions and gave the pilots confidence that the chosen target-the city center – would not be hidden by fog. As the bomber approached the target, it was time to make a decisive choice – to reset or cancel the mission.

      But the decision was made, and at 08: 15: 17 the Little Boy bomb was dropped. After 43 seconds, it exploded at an altitude of approximately 580 meters above the ground. The explosion led to an instantaneous nuclear fusion and fission reaction that released a huge amount of energy.

      The city was hit by a huge shock wave and a bright light comparable to a solar flare. The temperature at the site of the explosion reached millions of degrees, which led to the full destructive power of the explosion. Everything within the blast radius was burned or completely destroyed.

      More than 70,000 people were killed instantly and more than 70,000 were injured. The city became a dead zone with charred corpses and rubble. People who were several kilometers away from the center of the explosion received a dangerous dose of radiation, which led to a slow and painful death.

      This was the most devastating single attack in human history, but it was only the beginning. A few days later, on August 9, 1945, the Fettman atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki, another terrible destruction and thousands of victims.

      The tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki left the world in shock. Brand-new weapons have shown their destructive power, and the world has realized that a new era in military and political history has arrived. The decision to use nuclear weapons remained the subject of a long and heated debate and caused many emotional reactions from the world community.

      Implications for Japan and the global community

      Shock and fear after the destruction of Hiroshima

      After the destruction of Hiroshima, the whole world was filled with shock and horror. The news that the atomic bomb was dropped caused panic and fear in the hearts of millions of people around the world. In the face of this new and terrible weapon, humanity is faced with a new reality – the possibility of total annihilation.

      Many countries and societies realized with horror that the war had changed forever. Atomic bombs had an incomparable destructive power and the ability to cause mass deaths. This has led to heightened tensions and fear of a potential nuclear war.

      The shock of the destruction of Hiroshima also affected Japanese society. Many lives were lost and the city was reduced to ruins. The survivors were deprived of their homes, families, and future. The radiation that remained after the explosion led to a slow and painful death of the survivors. The Japanese were faced with a terrible tragedy and a lack of understanding of what had happened.

      The international community also reacted with mixed emotions to the destruction of Hiroshima. Some countries supported the use of atomic weapons and considered it necessary to end the war. Others expressed their concerns about the use of such destructive weapons and called for control over nuclear technology.

      The Hiroshima tragedy has led to worldwide condemnation of nuclear weapons and calls for their ban. In 1946, the United Nations was established to ensure