Issues: Museums and Memorials

Hiroshima Peace Museum and
Peace Park

In September 1944, the United States decided to use the atomic bomb against Japan.  Using the bomb was seen as a way to force Japan to surrender as quickly as possible while minimizing American casualties.  Moreover, some have argued that the United States desired to display its military power to intimidate the Soviet Union in the budding Cold War. 

The bomb was successfully tested on July 16, 1945.  U.S. President Harry Truman issued his order to use the bomb on July 25.  The world’s first atomic bomb fell on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.  Of the approximately 350,000 people living in Hiroshima at that time, roughly 140,000 died in the immediate blast.  Additionally, close to 90% of the city’s buildings were either completely destroyed or badly burned.  Radiation from the bomb caused many who survived the blast to suffer a number of different disorders that continue to this day.   In 1949, atomic bomb-related materials went on display and construction on a permanent museum began.  The museum and the surrounding peace park were completed and opened to the public in 1955.

Hiroshima Peace Museum
English     Japanese

Hiroshima Peace Park
English     Japanese