On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing an estimated 140,000-240,000 people in Hiroshima and 70,000-80,000 people in Nagasaki. The bombings were the first and only use of nuclear weapons in war, and they had a devastating impact on both cities.
This video will explore how the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed and what tourist attractions can be found in these cities today.
History of the Atomic Bombings
The development of the atomic bomb began during World War II, as the United States and Germany raced to create the first nuclear weapon. The Manhattan Project, a top-secret US government project, was responsible for developing the atomic bomb.
On August 6, 1945, an American B-29 bomber named the Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. The bomb, code-named Little Boy, exploded about 1,900 feet above the city, creating a fireball with a temperature of over 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The blast wave from the explosion flattened buildings and killed thousands of people instantly.
Three days later, on August 9, 1945, an American B-29 bomber named Bockscar dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki. The bomb, code-named Fat Man, exploded about 1,650 feet above the city. The blast wave from the explosion caused widespread destruction and killed tens of thousands of people.
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had a profound impact on the course of World War II. The bombings led to Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, and the end of the war.
Tourist Attractions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki Today
Despite the devastation caused by the atomic bombings, both Hiroshima and Nagasaki have rebuilt and become thriving cities. Today, both cities are popular tourist destinations, with a number of attractions that commemorate the atomic bombings and promote peace.
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