In the years that followed the war, public opinion on the atomic bombs became more negative. As the full extent of the destruction and radiation sickness caused by the bombs became known, many people began to question whether the bombs had been necessary. Some even argued that the bombs were a war crime.
Today, there is still no consensus on whether the atomic bombs were the right decision. There are strong arguments to be made on both sides of the issue. However, it is clear that the atomic bombs had a profound impact on the world, and their legacy continues to be debated today.
Here are some specific examples of how people reacted to the atomic bombings:
* President Harry Truman defended the decision to drop the bombs, arguing that it had saved countless American lives.
* General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who would later be president, said that the bombs were necessary to end the war quickly.
* Some religious leaders, such as the Pope Pius XII, condemned the use of atomic weapons.
* Many scientists who had worked on the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb, expressed regret about their role in creating such a destructive weapon.
The atomic bombs had a devastating impact on the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is estimated that up to 140,000 people were killed in Hiroshima, and up to 80,000 in Nagasaki. Many of those who survived were left with permanent injuries, such as radiation sickness and cancer.
The atomic bombs also had a profound psychological impact on the Japanese people. The bombings shattered their faith in their military, and they were left feeling powerless and humiliated. The bombings also led to a widespread desire for peace, which helped to pave the way for Japan's eventual recovery and economic growth.
The atomic bombs have been the subject of much debate and controversy over the years. Some people believe that the bombings were necessary to end World War II, while others argue that they were a war crime. The bombings did have a profound impact on the world, and their legacy continues to be felt today.