Summary
The United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Now, 80 years later, Americans have mixed opinions about whether these attacks were justified. A recent poll shows that views are evenly split into three groups: those who think the bombings were right, those who think they were wrong, and those who are unsure.
Key Facts
- On August 6, 1945, the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing at least 70,000 people.
- Three days later, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, killing at least 40,000 more people.
- Initially, 85% of Americans supported the bombings after World War II.
- A recent Pew Research Center poll shows American opinions are now divided about the bombings.
- Historical figures like Albert Einstein and former President Herbert Hoover criticized the bombings early on.
- Historians debate whether the bombings directly ended World War II or if other factors influenced Japan's surrender.
- Accounts and media reports from survivors have contributed to changing perceptions over time.
- As of 1990, support for the bombings had declined to 53%.
