Dropping the Atomic Bomb Looking at the aftermath of the atomic bomb in both Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the devastation it caused is evident. Most of the Japanese population could never have imagined such a catastrophic event. On August 6 and 9, 1945, a large number of lives were changed forever when an atomic bomb fell from the sky and created an explosion as bright as the sun. These two bombs were the first and only evidence of nuclear war. ("The atomic bomb is...") The impact that the two bombs left on the cities of Japan was tremendous. The bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima devastated the country causing structural damage, long-term medical effects, expense, and massive loss of life. The decision to drop the atomic bomb was contemplated by American government officials for a long period of time. Ultimately the conclusion was that dropping the bombs would be to America's advantage. The American government rationalized dropping the bombs by claiming that it would end the war with Japan and save a plethora of American lives. America issued an ultimatum declaring that Japan should cease resistance and in exchange conditions would be provided for Japan to end the war honorably. This ultimatum was ignored and the alternative was the absolute destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. (Dollinger) Most officials believed that taking this last step would force Japan to surrender and shorten the war, resulting in fewer American casualties. (Barnes) Winston Churchill estimates that one million American lives were saved by using the atomic bomb. The dropping of an atomic bomb on Hiroshima generated notable immediate effects. It caused damage to both facilities and civilians... middle of paper... The atomic bomb on Japan was extremely controversial and ultimately ended in America's favor when Japan surrendered. According to Karl Compton, “it wasn't one or two atomic bombs that led to the surrender; it was the experience of what an atomic bomb could actually do to a community, as well as the terror of many others, that was effective.” Hiroshima and Nagasaki will always serve as a reminder of the enormous effects that powerful weapons can have on a country. America made a conscious decision to seize Japanese lives to save American lives. The attack affected Japan in many negative ways, but the outcome of the atomic bomb created positive effects for America. The devastation caused by the atomic bomb will never be forgotten by citizens around the world. “The atomic bomb was more than a weapon of terrible destruction; it was a psychological weapon.” (Stimson)