-
The First Atomic Bomb
The first atomic bomb was dropped in the desert regions of New Mexico in the early morning of July 16, 1945 (Rosenberg). This was the test run before the actual bombing. Many gathered around, including directors, developers, soldiers and many more. General Gowers described the tense, chaotic atmosphere at the camp while preparing to finally drop it ("The First Atomic Bomb Blast, 1945). -
President Truman's Warning
President Truman warns Japan that it's their last chance to avoid destruction 10 days before the bomb will be dropped ("On This Day"). Truman warned Japan that the allies would prevent them from competing successfully in war. -
Enola Gay Takes Off
At 2:45am the newly named and heavily modified Enola Gay took off from Tinian, a small island in the North Pacific, 1,500 miles south of Japan (Rosenberg). The B-29 had a 12 man crew, piloted by Colonel Paul Tibbets, that carried out this secret mission. -
The Flight
As the Enola Gay traveled over the Pacific Ocean heading for Japan it had four cities as possible targets: Hiroshima, Kokura, Nagasaki and Niigata (Rosenberg). These cities were chosen because they had been relatively unscathed so far during the war. -
"Little Boy"
The 10-foot atomic bomb, dubbed the "Little Boy", hung from a hook on the ceiling of the plane (Rosenberg). It contained the radioactive isotope uranium-235, which had never been tested. Research dollars spent on this uranium-235 bomb amounted to $2 billion, which was a tremendously large sum of money to be spent by the government at the time. -
Hiroshima: 8:15 am Local Time
At 8:15am local time, and under clear weather, the Enola Gay's doors opened and out came "Little Boy" ("Hiroshima, 64 Years Ago"). The intended target, the Aioi Bridge, was missed by approximately 800 feet when the bomb exploded 1,900 feet above Hiroshima (Rosenberg). The result was entire devastation. Very little was visible from the sky a few minutes after the bomb dropped. Metal and stone had melted, smoked had overtaken the sky and buildings were completely leveled. -
Aftermath: Death and Destruction
In the immediate aftermath of the dropping of "Little Boy" there was significant destruction ("On This Day"). Hiroshima, a city with 350,000 people before the bomb, now had only 280,000 residents. In 5 years the city would lose another 70,000 people because of lingering effects from radiation. Two-thirds of all buildings within 3 miles of the bomb site were destroyed, and many of the people who did survive had physically altered appearances. Very few lives in Hiroshima would ever be the same. -
"Fat Man" Falling
On August 9, 1945, the Bock's Car B-29 took off from Tinian at 3:49am heading for Japan (Rosenberg). The intended target for this mission was the city of Kokura, but a significant haze prevented this mission. At 11:02am, the atomic bomb known as "Fat Man" was dropped over Nagasaki, Japan and exploded 1,650 feet above the city. Significant destruction was felt within 2.6 square miles with 74,000 fatalities and the same number of significant injuries. -
Japan Surrenders
On August 14, 1945, six days after the Soviets also declared war on Japan, Japan was left with no other alternative than to surrender to the Allies ("On This Day"). -
Peace Begins
Two years and one-minute after the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, the people of this recovering city gathered to both mourn the loss of many loved ones, and to celebrate their peace (Ronk). This community was determined to recover from the war and emerge better than when they entered it. Houses were being rebuilt and people were coming together. And although many still suffered with physical ailments from the bombing, their spirits were strong. The war was over and peace began.
