Hiroshima Essay -- History, Atomic Bomb

Before the Japanese city Hiroshima was bombed, as early as July 1945, the city was targeted for something else. While the atomic bomb is highly criticized for its destruction, the United States’ government believed it was a necessary measure for the time. Faced with a lack of other options, the use of nuclear warfare was viewed as the most efficient way to end American involvement in the war. Looking back at the tragedy, alternative solutions could have improved the situation, creating benefits for both sides. Hiroshima was a devastating military blow to Japan with high physical damage, but its impact did not help the United States achieve its desired political goals of ending the war quickly, with minimal loss of life. With specific objectives, the United States’ decision to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima required extensive research leading to its production. The main goal of the American side was to damage the enemy’s confidence, while choosing a target with the highest military output in order to conclude the war (Avalon Project- Chapter 5, par. 5). The group in charge of developing the technology was known as the Manhattan Project, and was kept top-secret. Selection began in the spring of 1945, with assistance from the Commanding General, Army Air Forces, his Headquarters (Avalon Project- Chapter 5, par. 2) .There was a variety of experts working on the project, including mathematicians, theoretical physicists, and specialists trained in weather and blast effects Headquarters (Avalon Project- Chapter 5, par. 4) . In order to monitor all of the results, the city had to be untouched, meaning the target had to have no signs of previous bombings. Based on these requirements, the desi gnation of Hiroshima for the bombing was n... ...ch they attempted in 1942, as early as 1940 (before Pearl Harbor), Great Britain and the United States were exchanging nuclear information, which lead to the development of the Manhattan Project (Draft Statement 2). Results of the atomic power in the United States included two working plants to generate the energy, costing two billion dollars and employing 125,000 workers (Draft Statement 3). After the bombing, the United States was prepared to destroy Japan and its military if needed. While taking into deliberation that atomic power should be regulated, it was agreed upon that Congress should establish a commission to monitor this nuclear technology (Draft Statement 4-5). Causing irreparable damage upon its Japanese victims, Hiroshima could have been handled with more concern for destruction of life, while still accomplishing its military ambitions.