Why was the invention of atomic bombs a turning point in history?

Answer 1

it was the first time a real weapon of mass destruction was used in a major populated area. it was the first and so far only time a nuclear weapon has been used. it also stopped the war from lasting who nows how much longer.

AnswerRather obviously, viewed from the vantage point of our present time, the use of atomic weapons hearlded the potential for the total destruction of earth.

It can be argued that the use of atomic weapons against Japan really was little comprehended at the time by virtually anyone. Even today, it is fair to say that the majority of people really have little actual comprehension of the immediate destructive effects of atomic weapons, let alone thermonuclear hydrogen bombs.

Reguardless, the important aspect is that the potential for unheard of worldwide destruction was realized in the demonstrated use of the atomic bombs.But it wasn't just the atomic bomb which revolutionized the concepts of military science, it was also the revolutionary advances made by the Nazis in rocket technology that truly created a "True Turning Point" in the history ofthe world.

Atomic bombs were still just bombs, they had to still be delivered to their intended targets. J.F.C. Fuller, a military theorist, contended that the principle primary weapon in any time was the one which had the greatest reach.This concept has been validated as the predominate and most significant principle in the analysis of warfare. In short, if an enemy can be attacked with a weapon of such range that it is impossible for them to strike back the ultimate conclussion is obvious defeat of that enemy. Thus, it is the employment of the strategic bomber and the aircraft carrier which dominate the allied actions in responding to the aggressors. The tank, combined with revolutionized tactical organization in its' employment, such as the use of specialized aircraft acting in the field artillery mode, and supported by mechanized infantry, enabled the Germans to essentially "Out Think" the Allied Forces which oppossed them. Ironic to think that these ideas were the actual work of a British Officer, J.F.C. Fuller. The German successes demonstrated that victory comes about as a result of doing things in a new way which upsets established principles. Not only that, but also the employment of a mechanized organization which, though tactical, still had the decisive effect of speeding up actions. In effect the Nazis speed up time, or were working in a time scale which was quite beyond the abilities of the Allies to deal with. A result of their more primitive defense plans which utterly failed to deal with the implications of developing technology. Thus, the "Time Factor" is a critical element in understanding not just defeat, but the psychological aspect of defeat via potential use of atomic weapons: Their use results in immediate and total destruction.

The Atomic Bomb and the V2 Rocket were the true technological devices which made a turning point in the history of the world. It is the legacy of these primitive devices which haunt our lives and stir our private innermost fears.The fear of Nuclear Armagedon.

Answer 2

The Empire of Japan was given an ultimatum outlining it's surrender at the end of World War II under executive order of U.S. President Harry S. Truman. The declaration stated that if the party did not surrender, the Allies would be forced to attack Japan, resulting in "the inevitable and complete destruction of the Japanese armed forces and just as inevitably the utter devastation of the Japanese homeland".

The Japanese government declined to acknowledge it, using the "kill with silence" method, which assumed declination. Truman then decided to drop the bombs, his stated intention in ordering the bombings was to bring about a quick resolution of the war by inflicting destruction and instilling fear of further destruction in sufficient strength to cause Japan to surrender.

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A primary reason behind the use of the Atomic bombs was the fear that invasion of the main Japanese home islands would result in massive US casualties. Estimates drawn from the casualties sustained at Iwo Jima and Okinawa were that up to a half-million US casualties could be expected in a 6-10 month battle. In addition, it was expected that 10-15 million Japanese would be killed. The atomic bomb was seen as a way to shock the Japanese into a surrender, avoiding the necessity of an invasion, and, ironically, saving many lives, both American and Japanese.

A secondary reason was to end the war in the Pacific before the Soviet Union entered the war against the Japanese. Post-war political maneuvering was already occurring between the former Allies, and Truman was acutely aware of the brewing power conflict with the U.S.S.R. The use of the bomb to force a quick Japanese surrender was seen as a way to limit Soviet influence in Japan and Asia. Additionally, it was a political statement to curb Soviet aggression (as in "Don't mess with America, we have this Super Weapon").

Answer 3

The atomic bombs being used on Japan was the turning point for the Emperor Hirohito to truly understand they were defeated and he had to surrender to protect the Empire and the Imperial Emporership he was sworn to protect.

The atomic bombs also showed the world that "he who has the atomic bomb is one not to be trifled with" and it was the start of the Cold War and Arms Race between the USA and USSR.

Answer 4

Once two hostile countries had atomic bombs (1949) it meant that it was possible for humans to destroy their own species.

Answer 5

I will see that as the final point of ww2 and the beginning of the atomic era. The atomic bomb really made the war end..