Introductory Note: Why study the summer of 1945? Historian William Manchester described it as "a kind of historical hinge; ... everything which had been, no longer was, ... and everything that was to be, became." The surprise atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were two of the most important events of that very important time.

Another reason to study the atomic bombing of Japanese cities arises from the fact that no mass casualty caused by human beings, save one, has ever had anything close to a reasonable justification. That one exception is the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. While there are strong arguments that the bombing was not a legitimate way to bring a quick end to WW II, there are also strong arguments that it was.

In addition, the atomic attacks were not perpetrated by savages, fanatic nationalists, communist dictators, or repressive fascist regimes. The atomic bombs were unleased by the United States, a highly evolved democratic society which embodies many of the highest aspirations of humankind. The intentional killing of so many non-combatants by such a country adds significance to the event.

The skills taught by an in-depth analysis of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will be especially useful for students in any country which possesses nuclear weapons or strong armies: the U.S., Russia, China, Great Britain, France, India, Pakistan, Israel etc. Elections and the political process in these countries may determine important issues of war and peace. The ability to understand the meaning of mass casualties and to make principled, informed, effective decisions about war, will be especially important to citizens of these countries in the 21st century.