Topics Covered: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
Japan marks 75th anniversary of Hiroshima atomic bombing:
Context:
Japan, on 6th August, marked 75 years since the world’s first atomic bomb attack, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing a scaling back of ceremonies to remember the victims.
What happened on August 6th?
On August 6, 1945, the US dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, and three days later, on August 9, it dropped another bomb on Nagasaki, killing hundreds of thousands of people and affecting many more who would suffer the effects of the radiation from the blast and the “black rain” that fell in the aftermath of the explosions.
Why did the US bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
After the conclusion of World War II in 1945, the relations between Japan and the US worsened, especially after Japan forces decided to take an aim at Indochina with the intention of capturing the oil-rich areas of the East Indies. Therefore, US president Harry Truman authorised the use of atomic bombs in order to make Japan surrender in WWII, which it did.
Who developed the bomb?
The atomic bomb was a result of British and American scientific knowledge and was built at two plants in the US, while a scientific laboratory was maintained separately, all of which came under the ambit of the Manhattan Project, which was the codename for this research effort.
Insta Facts:
- Atomic bomb dropped on the city of Hiroshima was called “Little Boy”.
- Atomic bomb dropped over Nagasaki was called “Fat Man”.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Who were the Allies and the axis powers?
- Causes for the world war 2.
- Manhattan project is related to?
- Outcomes of the war.
- Important events and battles during WW2.
- What is the battle of midway?
- What led to attacks on pearl harbour?
Mains Link:
The Second World War gave a great incentive to the nationalist movements in colonies. Analyse.
Sources: the Hindu.
