The Tragic Day: Hiroshima Atomic Bombing
Overview of the Hiroshima Atomic Bombing
The Bombing of Hiroshima: The bomb, codenamed Little Boy, was dropped by the Enola Gay, a B-29 bomber, on the city of Hiroshima. This catastrophic event took place at 8:15 a.m. local time on August 6, 1945, during the latter stages of World War II.
Immediate Impact:
Loss of Life: The immediate effects were devastating, resulting in the deaths of approximately seventy thousand people. The total death toll eventually rose significantly due to radiation poisoning and other injuries.
City Destruction:
Infrastructure Damage: In addition to the immense loss of life, a significant part of the city's infrastructure was decimated. Two-thirds of Hiroshima's buildings were turned into rubble, leaving a scene of widespread destruction.
Aftermath:
Second Atomic Bomb: When Japan did not surrender, another atomic bomb known as Fat Man was dropped on Nagasaki three days later. This added to the number of civilian casualties and ultimately contributed to the end of the war.