The Pros And Cons Of Atomic Bombing

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In August 1945, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were atomically bombed. This stands as an important event in human history as this is actually where nuclear weapons were first used in war. These actions happened during World War II and led to Japan's surrender and the end of the conflict. According to the textbook, "On August 6, 1945, an American plane dropped an atomic bomb that detonated over Hiroshima, Japan—a target chosen because almost alone among major Japanese cities, it had not yet suffered damage.On August 9, the United States exploded a second bomb over Nagasaki, killing 70,000 persons. On the same day, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and invaded Manchuria. Within a week, Japan surrendered. Because of the enormous cost to civilian lives—more than twice America’s military fatalities in the entire Pacific war—the use of the bomb remains controversial.” …show more content…

According to what was recorded, "When you add all the deaths outside Europe, it brings us to a grand total of 70 million for the war, give or take depending on who's counting and what civilian deaths get included." World War II Deaths. This shocking statistic forces us to question whether the ends justify the means. The innumerable amount of loss is one reason why the second bomb should never have taken place. Instead, it should have been thought-out more. Eric Foner mentions, "The dropping of the atomic bombs was the logical culmination of the way World War II had been fought. All wars inflict suffering on noncombatants. But never before had civilian populations been so ruthlessly targeted." (Foner, 900 - 900). With how World War II was going, the atomic bomb was bound to be utilized. But, the manner in which both were used was completely, morally wrong. The ethical impacts of using nuclear weapons on civilians still shape talks on law in war and what nations must do during major