Lecture Notes: The War in the Pacific and the Hiroshima Bombing
Context of the War in the Pacific
By August 1945, Japan had been clearly beaten in the Pacific campaign.
American and Allied forces had the capability to take any position in the Pacific, though with heavy casualties.
Increasing Violence Despite Imminent Victory
Dr. Rob Citino (Senior Historian, World War II Museum in New Orleans) notes the unprecedented increase in violence even as Japan was on the brink of defeat.
Allies were bombarding Japan’s home islands continuously.
The Ultimatum and the Secret Weapon
The U.S. faced a decision: invade Japan with a million troops or use a top-secret weapon.
Japan was given an ultimatum: surrender or face dire consequences.
The U.S. chose to deploy a nuclear bomb.
The Hiroshima Bombing
A single plane carrying a single bomb took off from Tinian and dropped it on Hiroshima.
Immediate impact: 50,000 to 70,000 people killed, with total casualties possibly reaching 100,000.
Hiroshima was incinerated in seconds.
First-Hand Account: Howard Kakida
Howard Kakida, aged 7, was living near Hiroshima’s ground zero.
His grandmother’s warning to get off the roof saved his and his brother’s lives.
Describes being knocked out and waking up to a burning, destroyed environment.
Witnessed severe injuries and death.
Hiroshima was flattened; they returned to find complete devastation.
Long-Term Effects
Howard and his brother lost their hair due to radiation.
Tens of thousands died in the following weeks; Howard's grandfather died two years later from cancer.
Howard is a hibakusha (explosion-affected person).
The Message from Hibakusha
Hibakusha understand the misery, terror, and death caused by nuclear weapons.
Fear of nuclear weapons today: potential for a catastrophic mistake leading to global destruction.
Personal impacts: Howard had nightmares for years; his brother still cannot talk about the experience.
Hibakusha's desire: no one else should ever become a hibakusha.
Concluding Remarks
Emphasis on the importance of remembering the events 75 years later.
A reminder of the courage it takes to share such stories and the need to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.