Atomic bombs not solely responsible for ending WWII: Historians weigh in on Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings

Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 did not end WWII, as Japan was already defeated. The bombs killed 290,000 people, but their impact was minimal. In fact, 267,000 people died in a firebombing campaign that preceded the bombings. The commonly held belief that the bombs saved countless Allied lives is also disputed, with many historians agreeing that Japan would have surrendered without them. The tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remains a cautionary tale about the devastating effects of war.

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which took place on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively, have been a subject of intense debate and historical scrutiny. As we approach the 80th anniversary of these events, it is crucial to revisit the facts and reassess the commonly held beliefs surrounding their impact on the end of World War II.

According to newly declassified U.S. Army Air Forces records, the initial conservative estimate of the number of people killed by the atomic bombings in Hiroshima was around 100,000 [1]. However, this figure has been challenged, with some historians suggesting that the actual number of deaths was significantly higher. A recent study by the National Security Archive places the total number of deaths from the bombings at approximately 290,000 [1].

The conventional narrative posits that the atomic bombings brought an end to World War II in the Pacific and saved countless Allied lives that would have been lost in an invasion of Japan. However, this interpretation has been challenged. Many historians argue that Japan was already defeated and on the brink of surrender before the bombings. The U.S. blockade and massive conventional bombing campaigns had already taken a significant toll on Japan's infrastructure and morale [1].

Moreover, the firebombing campaign that preceded the atomic bombings also resulted in a substantial number of deaths. According to the National Security Archive, approximately 267,000 people died in the firebombing campaign that targeted Japanese cities [1]. This raises questions about the necessity and effectiveness of the atomic bombings.

The ethical implications of the use of nuclear weapons have also been a subject of debate. The bombings caused immediate and long-term human suffering, with radiation-related illnesses and deaths continuing to this day. The use of nuclear weapons also hastened the nuclear arms race, leading to a dangerous and costly Cold War [1].

In conclusion, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain a cautionary tale about the devastating effects of war. While the bombings may have hastened the end of World War II, their impact and necessity are still subjects of heated debate. As we reflect on these events, it is essential to consider the full range of factors that contributed to Japan's surrender and the long-term consequences of the use of nuclear weapons.

References:
[1] https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/nuclear-vault/2025-08-05/atomic-bombings-japan-and-end-world-war-ii-80-years-later