Nuclear Weapons During WWII

Background The war in Europe ended when Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945, but the war in the Pacific continued. The United States, along with its allies China and Great Britain, issued an ultimatum to Japan to surrender or suffer “prompt and utter destruction.” Japan refused.

The Bombs The bombs, nicknamed Fat Man and Little Boy, were created under the codename The Manhattan Project. They cost roughly $2 Billion to research and create

Hiroshima and Nagasaki On August 6, 1945, the first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima On August 9, 1945, the second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Instantly, the bombs killed about 160,000 in Hiroshima and about 90,000 in Nagasaki. Approximately 2/3 of each city was destroyed The residual effects of the bombs killed another 100,000 people Almost all of the people killed were civilians.

What Do A-Bombs Do? Initially, the blast creates a firestorm that can reach 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Those within the blast zone are burnt to death almost instantly. Outside of the primary blast zone (about one mile in radius), some were burnt but many were killed by falling buildings, debris, etc. Over time, the radioactive materials cause radiation sickness, which can be deadly. Over an even longer period of time, the radioactive materials left in the ground can cause cancer

Radiation Sickness When exposed to high levels of radiation, such as those from atomic weapons, the sickness causes neurological problems and rapid death. Usually this occurs within 24-48 hours of exposure. When levels are lower, it can lead to intense illness, loss of hair, infections, and other physical problems. If medical care is available, it can be treated with blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants (sometimes…)

After… Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945 After witnessing the effects of the Atomic Bombs, Japan adopted Three Non-Nuclear Principles forbidding the nation from Nuclear armament

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Now Today, there is not a traceable amount of radiation left in the ground. Experts believe the radiation lasted about 25 years and was certainly enough to cause forms of cancer that were seen in the area after the attacks

Nuclear Weapons Today Countries that have declared nuclear weapons: United States China France Great Britain Russia Countries that have conducted Nuclear Weapons Tests: Israel India North Korea Pakistan

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty An international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament Most countries in the world have agreed to this Treaty Those that haven’t or have removed their participation: North Korea Israel India Pakistan South Sudan

Your Job… Talk to your group about the reasons behind the Atomic Bombings. Follow the directions on your worksheet. You will work on this together and turn in one worksheet, so be sure all your names are on it. On the back, take a position on nuclear weapons and defend that position in a paragraph. Do you believe countries should have them? Should not have them? Use them? Not use them? Explain your position. Remember, you are doing this as a group, so you need to respectfully debate this issue until you reach an agreement! Learning Targets: Analyze the possible reasons for atomic bombings in WWII and offer alternative solutions; Formulate an opinion on nuclear weapon possession in our modern world.