atomic bombs

Zachary Shore: the Struggle Between Vengeance and Virtue in WWII

Zachary Shore discusses the contrasting decisions to drop atomic bombs on Japan and rebuild Germany. 

This Vanishing Moment and Our Vanishing Future: John Hersey, Hiroshima, and the End of World

by Nick Turse

Lesley Blume's new book Fallout describes how John Hersey and his editors punctured official myths about the Hiroshima attacks to write his influential book. 

Who Shaped the Story of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

by William Johnston

Most Americans' knowledge of Hiroshima and Nagasaki reflects how American leaders in 1945 wanted the atomic bombings remembered more than their real history. 

A Tale of Atomic Bombs and Paper Cranes: Harry Truman's Grandson Pursues Reconciliation

For a decade, Harry Truman's oldest grandson has engaged in dialogue with the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

What Europeans Believe about Hiroshima and Nagasaki—and Why it Matters

A European's belief that the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a military necessity that ultimately saved lives correlates with less acceptance of nuclear disarmament. History is important for citizens' ability to judge issues related to the dangers of nuclear weapons. 

Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Women Survivors of the Atomic Bombs

Those who survived the bombings are known as hibakusha. Survivors faced a horrifying aftermath in the cities, including radiation poisoning and psychological trauma.

Who Was Our Worst President? Think About it When a Grim 75th Anniversary Arrives

by Paul W. Lovinger

The anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki should inspire consideration of the global fallout from Harry Truman's presidential decisions. 

Samantha Smith's Dream of Peace and Nuclear Disarmament

by William Lambers

Samantha Smith taught us your voice matters and you can make a difference in ridding the world of nuclear weapons and achieving peace for all. 

“Mr. Straight Arrow,” John Hersey, and the decision to drop the atomic bomb

by D. M. Giangreco

What recent histories getsright--and wrong--about Harry S. Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan. 

U.S. Cold War Nuclear Target Lists Declassified for First Time

According to 1956 Plan, H-Bombs were to be Used Against Priority "Air Power" Targets in the Soviet Union, China, and Eastern Europe

Why Americans Have Been Duped over the Use of the Atomic Bomb

by Paul Ham

One day somebody in high office in Washington will have the intellectual honesty to acknowledge, if not apologise for, a grotesque distortion of the truth that the Truman Administration visited on the American people in the pages of Harper’s Magazine in 1947.