ourpresidents:

Hiroshima in Ruins

On August 6, 1945 the Enola Gay released the atomic bomb “Little Boy” over Hiroshima, Japan. The bomb leveled the city and left between 70,000 to 100,000 dead. A second bomb, “Fat Man,” was dropped three days later on the city of Nagasaki, killing another 50,000 to 70,000 people. On August 14, the Japanese surrendered, ending World War II.

On August 15, 1945, President Truman requested that the United States Strategic Bombing Survey conduct a study of the effects of the atomic bombs against Japan. The Survey examined confiscated records of the Japanese government and interrogated numerous Government officials and private citizens throughout Japan. The Survey concluded “..that certainly prior to 31 December 1945, and in all probability prior to 1 November 1945, Japan would have surrendered even if the atomic bombs had not been dropped, even if Russia had not entered the war, and even if no invasion had been planned or contemplated.”

Some historians have used these findings to argue against the decision to use the bombs against Japan. Others point out that the Survey had access to information unavailable before the war’s conclusion and that those conducting the survey  purposefully downplayed the importance of the atomic bombs in securing Japan’s surrender. The debate continues today, confirming President Truman’s decision over 60 years ago as one of the most controversial decisions of the 20th century.

Truman Library Photo: Hiroshima on Honshu Island lies in ruins as a result of the August 6,1945 atomic bombing. 

The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb on the Presidential Timeline