The Atomic Bomb

Kevin Ruane, a Professor of Modern History, delves into the pivotal moment when the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. He explores the motivations behind targeting these cities and the debate over the necessity of the bombings to end World War II. Ruane discusses Japan's military decline, the scientific breakthroughs leading to the atomic bomb, and the complexities of the decision-making process. He also reevaluates historical narratives, highlighting the profound human cost and the lasting implications for the Cold War.