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WHIMSICALLY NAMED HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI BOMBS
ONLY KILLED ABOUT 220,000
In August 1945, two fission bombs were dropped over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The bombs, named Big Boy and Fat Man respectively, were justified as a means to persuade Japan to surrender. The question is...
DID THIS REALLY HAVE TO HAPPEN?
Even the formidable resources of the CatMap editorial board can't answer this question for certain, but we can provide facts that are rarely taught to Americans. Generally, although the current process seems to be one of soul-searching and deep regret over the necessity of dropping the big one, the over-whelming conclusion for main stream Americans is that millions of lives were saved.

At the very least, this is an over-simplification that eases our consciences. Consider the concept that the real reason, or another important reason - the bomb was dropped was as a warning to the Russians, who were now The real story is hidden...


Help Oak Ridge Tennesse celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Hiroshima!
exposure to nuclear radiation

By the beginning of September 1944, Japan was almost completely defeated through a virtually total sea and air blockade. In May of 1945 the surrender of Germany freed the Allies to focus their troops and resources on defeating the final enemy, Japan. At this point, the Japanese began pursuing peace, with virtually the only obstacle being the retention of the Emperor. In July of 1945, the Japanese transmitted a series of peace overtures through the Soviets.
The mushroom cloud from the Fat Man rises over Nagasaki, Japan in August 1945. Most historians agree that the second bomb wasn't necessary.
The other half of the puzzle is that the Soviets were preparing for the invasion of Manchuria, then occupied by Japan. By that time, the opinion of the US command was that the next war might be with the Soviets. Many historians believe the bomb message of the bomb was directed at Stalin as much as it was to the Japanese high commnand. The 170,000 victims can be regarded as "messengers."

Read more here.

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