Japan and the Atomic Bomb: History, Myths, and Mysteries
HIST 256
Spring 2023
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
CEAS 226, SISP 257 |
Even today, when discussing the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, newspaper and other media sources often refer to "Truman's decision" to drop the bomb, the idea that these bombings conclusively brought an end to World War Two, arguments that they saved more lives than they killed, and assertions that the United States would not have dropped the bomb on Germany since its citizens were white. But what do the historical sources actually say on these and other related points? This course emphasizes the use of archival sources to address these and many other issues. It establishes the historical context for the atomic bombings of Japan by tracing events that led to the War in the first place, how civilians became the targets of mass bombings, and the scientific discoveries that made nuclear weapons possible. It also examines how after the War the American press and government strove to establish a particular perspective on the atomic bombings of Japan. By the end of this course students will have a much better idea about the historical facts, the popular myths, and remaining mysteries related to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-MN)(CEAS)(CEAS-Arcp/Hist)(STS) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
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