The Atomic Age - 1290 Words

The Atomic Age The Atomic Age, composed of complex and controversial issues, has forever changed our world and the way in which we live. * What were the factors leading to the dropping of the atomic bomb? The answer to this question considers events dealing with atomic energy, the Manhatten Project, and controversial issues about when, where, how, and if the bomb should have been used. There are several events prior to the 1940s that led to the making of the bomb, but the majority of events and controversy snowballed during the 1940s. It is always important to examine the causes of world changing events so that the human race will learn from and be more aware of such issues in the future. Important factors prior to the 1940s:†¦show more content†¦The hopes were that the enemy would yield swiftly once America used the A-Bomb. The main debate was whether to demonstrate the bombs power to the world and then give an ultimatum, or to use the element of surprise. Those opposing any warning said that if a bomb was dropped with warning that the Japanese Air powers could cause serious interference. Arthur Compton said that Though the possibility of a demonstration that would not destroy human life was attractive, no one could suggest a way in which it could be made so convincing that it would be likely to stop the war (Yass, 61). On top of this, in the Bard Memorandum of 1945, Ralph Bard stated that the use of the bomb without warning was contrary to the position of the United States as a great humanitarian nation (Dannen). Many people felt this way, but President Truman never saw the many petitions against the use of the bomb. However, the President did hear from the National Defense Research Committee that suggested the bomb be used as soon as possible and without warning. The final decision of where and when to use the bomb was up to President Truman. He later stated Let there be no mistake about it. I regarded the bomb as a military weapon and never had any doubt that it should be used (Fogelman, 10). Truman wanted the bomb dropped on a military target, somewhere in which war production would be destroyed and the power of the bomb could be demonstrated. The Target Committee had chosenShow MoreRelatedThe Atomic Age869 Words   |  4 Pagesdestruction, but also save many lives. At this point, the atomic bomb began to be considered for the benefits it had when compared to a invasion. As soon as Truman had approved the use of the atomic bomb, a plan had to be created. The bombings were planned years in advance, making the construction and design of the weapon possible. In 1942, after the United States’ Army had taken control of the project, it was decided that by the summer of 1945 the atomic bomb would be organized well enough for release;Read MoreDebating History : Atomic Age947 Words   |  4 PagesRickey Nelson Core 145 Professor Culpepper May 1, 2015 Debating History – Atomic Age Towards the end of World War II, the belief that Americans had of the war was one of invading Japan and ending the war in traditional style and in traditional surrender. However, to the efforts of J. Robert Oppenheimer and fellow associates changed the course of warfare and history by creating the atomic bomb. The Manhattan Project The Manhattan project was a very key point in history that involved the productionRead MoreNuclear Technology And Its Impact On The Atomic Age1790 Words   |  8 Pagesfirst atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki Japan. With the use of these new weapons a door was opened that could never be closed, a new and uncertain era was now upon the world, and the use of atomic power could mean the betterment or destruction of a nation at a moment’s notice. Whether you like it or not, you live in the atomic age and it can have many implications that you may or may not know about. The Manhattan Project is well known to have developed the first two atomic bombsRead MorePower, Ideology, and Terror in the Atomic Age Worksheet1675 Words   |  7 Pagesand Terror in the Atomic Age Worksheet The Cold War Answer each of the following questions in a single paragraph: 1. What role did atomic weapons play in the Cold War? Summarize nuclear developments from 1945 to 1991. After the Second World War, United States and the Soviet Union entered into a Cold War that lasted more the 40 years because both sides had Atomic Weapons that were aimed at each other with each side fearing and dreading what a Hot War would cause if Atomic Weapons were usedRead MoreCuiousity and a Sense of Adventure Drove the Atomic Age574 Words   |  2 Pages The Atomic Age was driven by curiosity and a sense of adventure. As some of the most well thinkers of the day continued with passion about physics, their self confident in peeling the layers of the proverbial scientific onion led to severe unintended consequences that dramatically impacted the lives of billions of people. Moreover, complacency fuelled by arrogance resulted in the betrayal of compassion and principled action, ultimately leading to the sacrifice of millions to pay the debt of a fewRead MoreHiroshima-Nagasaki: Entering Into the Atomic Age Essay2153 Words   |  9 PagesOn August 6, 1945, in an attempt to bring an end to World War II, the United States dropped the world’s first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, a Japanese city and military center. Most of the population stood helpless in the open as the sighting of only three aircraft quickly caused a roaring of air raid warnings. The extraordinary event destroyed nearly two-thirds of the city and immediately killed tens of thousands of people, and tens of thousands more died later from radiation exposure. Sixteen hoursRead MoreAlbert Einstein s Theory Of Relativity And The Father Of The Atomic Age1174 Words   |  5 Pagesscientific community, but for the entire world, it is easy to label him as one of the most qualified candidates. Throughout his career, he developed many names for himself. Most notably, he was known as the father of relativity and the father of the atomic age. These two titles alone speak volumes about his achievements and contributions to science, but it is important to examine how he got his name in the history bo oks, and how he made such a big name for himself in his seventy six years of life. MostRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb Was Built During Ww21066 Words   |  5 PagesThe atomic bomb was built during ww2 and was a major factor in winning the war against the japanese. Germany began to develop the atomic bomb and roosevelt caught wind of this and he put a group of scientist together to develop the atomic bomb before the germans developed it. Einstein found proof that the germans were going to use uranium to build the atomic bomb â€Å"I understand that Germany has actually stopped the sale of uranium from the Czechoslovakian mines, which she has taken over†(Einstein)Read MoreThe Effects Of Long Term Radiation Related Health On A Unique Human Population1347 Words   |  6 PagesJournal Article Review We learned about the end World War 2 and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with the atomic bomb but rarely do people talk about the affect effects of what happened after that to the people who were affected by the bombs. This scholarly journal titled: â€Å"Long-term Radiation-Related Health Effects in a Unique Human Population: Lessons Learned from the Atomic Bomb Survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki† by numerous authors: Evan B. Douple, PhD, Kiyohiko Mabuchi, MD, DrPH, HarryRead MoreThe Effects Of Bombs1020 Words   |  5 PagesIf we are to look at the history of mankind, human conflict and wars have existed since prehistoric ages as a way of settling differences. However, in late centuries when battles between oppositions were settled beyond the gates of the city, with the technological advancements that have conquered armed forces and soldiery, they have been aimed against housing which is the primordial element of urbanization. The city itself as a form, as an instit ution, as a way of life, becomes the target. Modern