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 $15 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… • Follow the directions on your worksheet. You can use the back.• 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.

• 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.