The atomic bombing of Hiroshima ( see Damage caused by Atomic Bomb and Avalon Project ) on August 6, 1945 changed everything. It changed war, it changed peace, it changed the way in which we think about our friends both as a nation and as individuals, and it changed the way in which we think of our enemies. It changed the way in which we think of ourselves. For better or for worse there is no going back, humanity and the earth will never be the same as it was before 8:15 am August 6, 1945.
       Much debate over the last 58 years has focused on the morality and rationality of using the atomic bomb. This is a non-issue. In 1945 there was no way to forsee the consequences of atomic weapons. On the other hand the consequences of not dropping the atomic bomb were clearly defined. Given the historical necessity of smashing Japanese militarism, the United States military had estimated that 500,000 to 1 million allied soldiers would be killed in the invasion and conquest of Japan. Two to three times as many Japanese soldiers and civilians would have been killed. Add to this the very real fear and even probability that if we did not have it someone else would and the use of atomic weapons was the only responsible course of action.
       There are many great web sites with excellent analysis and many pictures ( many of these images are not for the faint of heart such as the woman below being treated for burns caused by the bombing of Hiroshima ) devoted to the bombing of Hiroshima.