In his essay on the atomic…

History Questions

In his essay on the atomic bombing of Japan during World War II, a student used statistics from an article in the online archives of the Irish Times. The article, titled “Cancer Finding in Hiroshima,” was published on May 5, 1997, and has no listed author. How should the student properly cite this source?

Answer

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, executed by the Enola Gay, resulted in immediate deaths and long-lasting radiation-related health problems. These bombings played a crucial role in Japan’s capitulation, effectively concluding World War II, and have since shaped ongoing debates about nuclear weaponry. Explanation: The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki The significant dates of August 6 and August 9, 1945, mark the moments when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively. On August 6, ‘Little Boy’ was deployed over Hiroshima, causing an estimated 80,000 immediate deaths, with the toll potentially reaching 140,000 due to later health consequences. Following this, on August 9, ‘Fat Man’ was detonated over Nagasaki, inflicting immediate and prolonged casualties estimated at 40,000 to 70,000. These bombings were pivotal in leading to Japan’s surrender on August 14, 1945, which marked the conclusion of World War II. The impact of the bombings was not only catastrophic in terms of immediate loss and devastation but also revealed the severe long-term consequences of radiation exposure. The introduction of nuclear arms raised heightening ethical, military, and political discussions that persist today. To further understand the bombings, examining survivor stories and the ongoing health implications, such as the rise in cancer cases among survivors, could be insightful, as discussed in various historical records and articles, including the one in the Irish Times.

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