Why Did Hiroshima Happen?

Moments in History

by R.G. Grant

In the early morning hours of August 6, 1945, a B-29 bomber headed for the city of Hiroshima to drop an atomic bomb on the city. The aftermath of the bombing still lives with its inhabitants today. This book details the events of Hiroshima and explains why this haunting event occurred. Photographs from the period supplement well-researched material to give this book a well-rounded view of this tragedy.

Genres: Nonfiction

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

R.G. Grant is a historian who has written extensively on many aspects and periods of history. Among his more than fifty published books are: Battle, Soldier, and Battle at Sea (2005, 2007, 2008). He was also a major contributor to the ITV Visual History of the Twentieth Century (1999) and consultant for Chronology of World History (1995). He is also a contributor to 1001 Battles That Changed the Course of History, where earlier versions of his contributions to Britannica first appeared.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Did Hiroshima Happen? by R.G. Grant is part of the Moments in History Series for the youth market but also interesting for adult readers as well. This book explores the various discussions of the pros and cons leading up to the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Even still today there is disagreement about whether or not these bombings were necessary to bring about the end of the war. The author covers the experiences of the American soldiers waiting to invade the main islands of Japan with the extremely high expected loss of lives on both sides based on what had happened on Iwo Jima and Okinawa; then he looks at the perspective of the Japanese military and civilians including children who were being taught to attack American tanks and soldiers. Also the viewpoints of the bomber crews are studied as well. Some argued that we should use it because we had it and spent a lot to develop it. Others argued for a demonstration of its capabilities without any loss of life. Some pointed out the stubbornness of the Japanese military leaders and their fight-to-the-death mentality. The author presents a well-researched representation of the practical and political issues that were being discussed at that time.

[Nak Kondakoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book, providing good information about the decision and everything else behind the dropping of the two atomic bombs on Japan in 1945. One of the really interesting things about this book is that it provides opinions from both sides: for and against. Recommended, especially for students who need information about WWII.

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting resource book for anyone needing information about why the bomb was dropped in Japan. Having my own opinion, it was nice to see the author gave opposing viewpoints plenty of space to declare their opinions. This is a very good resource book for higher level readers who are interested in viewpoints of World War 2 and it's after effects.