Nuclear Weaponry

If nuclear weapons are used in war sustainable life on this planet will be ended. Nuclear Weapons have only been used a few times in the history of this earth. The few times nuclear weapons were used the amount of damaged they caused was devastating. The first country to use nuclear weapons was the United States during World War II. On August 6, 1945 an atomic bomb nicknamed “Little Boy” was dropped on Hiroshima killing between 90,000 and 166,000. Then on August 6th, 1945 the second atomic bomb nicknamed “Fat Man” was dropped on Nagasaki killing 60,000 – 80,000 people. These statistics show how devastating nuclear weapons were when they were used and how they can be if they are used again. This paper will examine the Dangerous effects of

July 16, 1939 began as a rather ordinary day for Einstein. Two former students, now colleagues came to visit. Through this visit Einstein learned that nuclear fission was not simply theoretically possible, but a reality. He immediately recognized the repercussions; both good and evil. He realized that if he did nothing, Germany (Hitler) would be able not only to build an atomic bomb, but also to monopolize all known all sources of the precursor materials. Thus, to do nothing, would be to aid the Nazis. To write a letter, use his influence, to make sure the United States would have access to uranium (from Belgium), he was encouraging the development of a device whose sole purpose would be a weapon more devastating than any other ever imagined.

The first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 to foreshadow the end of a long and bloody war. It killed an estimation of eighty thousand people with its detonation; one of the finest instruments of murder humanity has managed even to this day. Its presence was a catalyst. Decades after its first showing, World Powers across the globe continue the escalating stockpilation of their nuclear arsenals. In 1978 however, Canada came to an executive decision to rid itself of its nuclear weaponry. Canada acknowledged the mounting tensions of the nuclear competition and its potential to lead to war, as well as what the ramifications of such a war could mean for earth’s inhabitants—extinction—and decided, with its reputation and connections,

On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb is used in war on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, followed by Nagasaki on August 6, 1945 (Findlay & Hevly, 2011, p. XI). Both atomic bombs were fueled by the plutonium from the Manhattan Project. Death counts from Hiroshima ranged from 99,000 to 166,000, and 60,000 to 80,000 for Nagasaki from the debris, blast, heat, and radiation (Listwa, 2012). However, these counts did not factor in the rescue workers who entered the areas breathing in radioactive dust, nor had appropriate clothing and radiation gamma readers like present day to view levels of radiation. Between the United States and the Japanese government research and continued healthcare are conducted by the Radiation Effects Research Foundation. This foundation estimates that after the bombings between the second and sixth year there was an increase in leukemia cases, especially children (Listwa, 2012). Research continues to follow leukemia incidences, cancer in registries, and children of the survivors.

Lincoln Riddle reports the effects of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs of 1945 were still tormenting many people in the cities for years to come. Riddle states that the combined death toll was about 129,000-240,000 people, but many more died in the next few month and years due to burns, radiation, and cancer. At the time the bombs were dropped, no one really knew the effects that the bombs would have on the environment or the people who survived the initial blast. Over the next few years, both Hiroshima and Nagasaki would see a spike in leukemia and thyroid, lung, and breast cancer. These numbers rose because of the people’s exposure to radiation. Women aged 22-30 were at a higher risk of getting breast cancer if they were exposed to more than

The first use of nuclear weaponry in warfare occurred on the morning of August 6, 1945 when the United States dropped the atomic bomb known as “Little Boy” on Hiroshima, Japan. The result was devastating, demonstrating the true power of nuclear warfare. Since the incident, the world has been left fearing the possible calamity of another nuclear war. Joseph Siracusa’s Nuclear Weapons: A Very Short Introduction explains aspects of nuclear weaponry from simply what a nuclear weapon is, to the growing fear from nuclear warfare advancements in an age of terrorism. The book furthered my education on nuclear weapons and the effect they place on society, physically and mentally.

“By the end of 1945, some 145,000 people had died in Hiroshima, and some 75,000 people had died in Nagasaki. Tens of thousands more suffered serious injuries. Deaths among survivors of the bombings have continued over the years due primarily to the effects of radiation poisoning.”

At about eight A.M on August sixth, 1945 the Japanese city Hiroshima was destroyed by the deployment of the first nuclear weapon, nicknamed “Little Boy.” Soon after, at about eleven A.M the following day, a second bomb was dropped, called “Fat Man” on Nagasaki. Together, these bombings caused massive destruction. The death total was well near 220, 000. Only portions of these deaths were from the days of the bombings, with an equal number occurring later in the year from exposure to radiation. More have died since from leukemia.

Topic: Nuclear weapons in the 1940’s to 1990’sThesis: How have nuclear weapons changed over timeNuclear weapons have changed so much since the first nuclear bomb test launch in 19451 that was when it all began they have changed a lot in the short time they dropped the first on hiroshima that one killed more than 140,000 thousand people. More people died later from radiation related illnesses. Three days later another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki and 74,000 people died in that explosion and at the time cost the US 2 billion dollars just to make one of the bombs and the tested a couple of them too.1 http://www.atomicarchive.com/Timeline/Time1950.shtml

In 1954 the Soviet Union made the first ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile). The other development was the atomic bomb. On 6 August 1945 one exploded over Hiroshima. On 9 august another exploded over Nagasaki. Each killed tens of thousands of people. The Soviet Union exploded an atomic bomb in 1949.

Today, it is known everywhere that if a nuclear war is waged, it could mean the destruction of our world as we know it. Nuclear weapons were used to end World War II, and they could very well be used if WWIII occurred, it may end also using nuclear weapons, which could destroy us. Albert Einstein once said, “I know not what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones” (“I know not…”Einstein, Albert). Einstein was implying that WWIII would set humanity to the Stone Age. Our country and the rest of the countries with nuclear weapons need to get rid of them before one of us start a war.

Approximately 42,000-93,000 people deceased from the atomic bomb in Hiroshima was set as the initial death count, but it was then later accurately estimated at 130,000 people, while the death toll in Nagasaki was set at 60,000-70,000 civilians. Over 90% of these people within 500 meters of ground zero, the point on earth 's surface above or below an exploding nuclear bomb, died (Destructive Effects). ⅔ of the civilians that were within one mile of the bombing were casualties and ⅓ died; half of the people within 1.2 miles were casualties and at distances over 2.4 miles away, the casualties slowly lowered to 10%. People closer to or within ground zero died immediately or throughout the first day. Casualty rates for both Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the highest near ground zero and respectfully declined as the distance away from the explosion increased; however the total death count continued to drastically rise in the first two weeks but soon leveled off in the following weeks leaving behind scars and illnesses they would bare for generations to come.

“A tiny speck of plutonium-239, as little as three millionths of a gram, can cause lung cancer. One pound of plutonium-239 contains enough specks to kill nine billion people instantly” (Pringle 26). Plutonium-239 is a human-made element, also known as the most dangerous substance on earth. As a by-product of uranium fission, plutonium-239 is created by generating electricity from nuclear sources. Contrary to popular belief, nuclear energy is hazardous and threatening to health. The use of nuclear energy should be banned as evidenced by the number of accidents, health effects, and global impact.

Due to the fear of being attacked by multiple atomic bombs, Stalin backed down. In defense, he started the development and research of the atomic bomb. Later on this would catch the attention of the U.S.

Nuclear warfare has caused catastrophic events throughout history, but it has become more advanced in present day with the newest and latest technology. Throughout history, nuclear weapons have laid waste to the lands once home to thousands of people when former president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, ordered the weapon known as the A-bomb to drop onto the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This was, at the time, a new weapon and it resulted in the casualties of over 100,000 people. Today, technology has allowed us to record the effects