Atomic Bombs
The atomic bombs are an intense topic and this page should be viewed with a parent or teacher.

SS5H6 The student will explain the reasons for America’s involvement in World War II.  
a. Describe Germany’s aggression in Europe and Japanese aggression in Asia.  
b. Describe major events in the war in both Europe and the Pacific; include Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, D-Day, VE and VJ Days, and the Holocaust.  
c. Discuss President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

President Truman made the controversial decision to use the atomic bomb to end World War II, rather than risk American lives in a full fledge attack on Japan. To learn all about the atomic bombs visit this link to History.com. The dropping of the bombs led to the eventual surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945. This day became known as V-J Day. The first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and the second was dropped on Nagasaki 3 days later when the Japanese still refused to surrender. After the second bomb the Japanese finally surrendered.

Additional Links:

• What would happen if your hometown was hit by the Hiroshima atomic bomb?_
• Hiroshima & Nagasaki Remembered
• Find out more about the arugments for and against the bomb here.

The video below talks about the atomic bomb ending World War II.
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The video below shows computer animations and recreations of the actual events. It is very intense and may not be suitable for young children.