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What happened at Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

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Quick answer

In August 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — the only use of nuclear weapons in war. The devastating attacks killed tens of thousands instantly and led to Japan's surrender, ending World War II.

Key things to understand

  1. Atomic bombs were dropped in August 1945.
  2. They remain the only wartime use of nuclear weapons.
  3. The blasts caused massive destruction and loss of life.
  4. They led to Japan's surrender, ending WWII.

People also ask

What happened at Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
The US dropped atomic bombs on the two Japanese cities in 1945, causing devastating destruction and ending WWII.
Why were the atomic bombs dropped?
To force Japan's surrender and end World War II, though the decision remains heavily debated.
Were nuclear weapons ever used again in war?
No — Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain the only times nuclear weapons have been used in warfare.