Marking 80 Years Since the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings

On August 6, 2025, the world commemorated the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima, followed by Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. These devastating attacks, the only instances of nuclear weapons used in war, killed between 150,000 and 246,000 people, mostly civilians. As Japan and global leaders honored the victims and survivors—known as hibakusha—a new Pew Research Center survey shows Americans are split on whether the bombings were justified, with younger generations expressing greater skepticism. This article delves into the evolving U.S. perspective, historical context, and ongoing debate for ClickUSANews.com readers.

U.S. Public Opinion: A Nation Divided

A Pew Research Center survey from June 2-8, 2025, reveals a near-even divide among Americans: 35% believe the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings were justified, 31% say they were not, and 33% are unsure. This contrasts sharply with a 1945 Gallup poll, where 85% of Americans supported the decision. Over time, approval has waned, reflecting growing unease about nuclear weapons and their moral implications.

The generational gap is striking. Americans aged 65 and older, closer to the World War II era, are more likely to see the bombings as justified (48%), while only 27% of those under 30 agree, with 44% calling them unjustified. Eileen Yam, a Pew researcher, noted that age is the most significant factor shaping these views, outranking political affiliation or veteran status.

Political leanings also matter. Conservative Republicans are more supportive (61%), while 50% of liberal Democrats view the bombings as unjustified. Gender differences are notable too: 51% of men versus 20% of women believe the bombings were justified, with women more likely to be uncertain (43% vs. 22%). Ethnic divides show 49% of white Americans supporting the bombings, compared to 24% of non-white Americans, per a CBS News poll.

The Historical Debate: Why the Bomb Was Dropped

In 1945, as World War II neared its end, the U.S. sought to force Japan’s surrender. After the Manhattan Project successfully tested the atomic bomb, President Harry S. Truman demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender via the Potsdam Declaration. When Japan hesitated, the U.S. dropped “Little Boy” on Hiroshima, killing about 80,000 instantly, with more dying later from radiation. On August 9, “Fat Man” struck Nagasaki, killing around 40,000. Japan surrendered on August 15, ending the war on September 2.

Proponents argue the bombings prevented a bloody invasion of Japan, potentially saving millions of lives. Former Secretary of War Henry Stimson estimated a land invasion could have killed 500,000 Japanese civilians and many U.S. soldiers. This view has long shaped the American narrative, framing the bombings as a necessary evil.

Critics, however, including historians Gar Alperovitz and Tsuyoshi Hasegawa, argue Japan was already poised to surrender due to the Soviet Union’s entry into the war on August 8 and a crippling naval blockade. Some suggest the bombings were partly a power play to intimidate the Soviets as the Cold War loomed. Early dissenters like Albert Einstein and Herbert Hoover condemned the bombings for targeting civilians, with Hoover calling them morally reprehensible.

Why Younger Americans Are More Critical

Younger Americans’ skepticism may stem from a growing “nuclear taboo,” a term coined by scholar Nina Tannenwald to describe increasing moral opposition to nuclear weapons. Unlike older generations, those under 30 are less tied to World War II’s context and more exposed to critical perspectives through education and media. John Hersey’s 1946 Hiroshima article, which vividly detailed survivors’ suffering, has shaped modern views. Global anti-nuclear movements, bolstered by groups like Nihon Hidankyo, the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner, also resonate with young people concerned about nuclear risks in conflicts like Ukraine.

Hiroshima’s Global Resonance

In Hiroshima, the 80th anniversary was marked by ceremonies at the Peace Memorial Park near the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO site. Mayor Kazumi Matsui called for younger generations to reject nuclear weapons as “inhumane,” warning against their use as deterrents. Attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Emperor Naruhito, and delegates from 120 countries, the event highlighted Japan’s unique history as the only nation to endure nuclear attacks. The hibakusha, now averaging over 86 years old, continue to advocate for peace, though only 106,825 remain alive as of March 2024.

Globally, opinions differ. A 2025 survey showed 81% of Germans, 78% of Italians, and 75% of Spaniards view the bombings as morally wrong, contrasting with the U.S.’s divided stance. In Japan, a 2015 poll found 79% opposed the bombings, reflecting a strong anti-nuclear sentiment, evident in the 2023 backlash to “Barbenheimer” memes trivializing the tragedy.

The Moral and Strategic Questions

The bombings raise thorny ethical and legal questions. Under the Hague Conventions, targeting civilians is prohibited unless they serve military purposes. Critics argue Hiroshima and Nagasaki, despite hosting garrisons, were primarily civilian cities, potentially making the bombings war crimes. Supporters counter that wartime bombing inaccuracies and the need to end the war justified the action. No treaty banned nuclear weapons in 1945, and even now, the U.S. has not ratified the 2021 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Historians debate whether alternatives—like softening surrender terms or relying on the Soviet invasion—could have ended the war. The bombings’ role in Japan’s surrender remains contested, with some crediting them as decisive and others emphasizing Soviet pressure.

A Call for Reflection and Disarmament

With 12,000 nuclear warheads worldwide and tensions rising in regions like the Middle East, the Hiroshima and Nagasaki anniversaries underscore the need for nuclear disarmament. Hibakusha like Terumi Tanaka, backed by Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel win, urge education to prevent future atrocities. In the U.S., vigils and ceremonies at Manhattan Project sites encourage dialogue about nuclear risks.

For Americans, especially younger ones, the 80th anniversary is a chance to grapple with the bombings’ complex legacy. As public opinion shifts, the voices of survivors and critical scholars challenge traditional narratives, pushing for a future free of nuclear threats.

Sources: Pew Research Center, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, NPR, FOX News, Wikipedia, The National WWII Museum, MIT Press, and posts on X.