Initial Approximation of Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Casualties at 100,000 US Citizens
Declassified Document Reveals Initial U.S. Estimate of Hiroshima Death Toll
A recently declassified document, titled "Hiroshima Mission," has shed new light on the immediate aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. The document, created by the U.S. Army Air Forces, provides a chilling account of the devastation caused by the attack.
According to the document, the U.S. military estimated that at least 100,000 people died as a result of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. The document describes the heart of Hiroshima as completely devastated, with not even debris of buildings left. The area affected seemed as though it had never existed.
This estimate contrasts with the city of Hiroshima's official estimate, which places the death toll at around 140,000 people by the end of 1945. Japanese estimates, reflecting postwar reassessments, also generally affirm about 140,000 as the death toll for the year 1945.
The difference between the initial U.S. military estimate and the city's official figure is roughly 40,000 deaths. This discrepancy can be attributed to ongoing challenges in accurately accounting for casualties due to chaotic war conditions and longer-term effects such as radiation sickness.
The "Hiroshima Mission" document is a historical document that offers insights into the immediate aftermath of the atomic bombing. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons and the importance of accurate and timely information in the aftermath of such catastrophic events.
The declassified documents, including the "Hiroshima Mission" document, were released by the George Washington University's National Security Archive in Washington. The release of these documents is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the events leading up to and following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
[1] National Security Archive, "Hiroshima Mission," August 8, 1945, accessed March 27, 2023, https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/nukevault/ebb394/ [2] Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, "Hiroshima's Casualties," accessed March 27, 2023, https://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/peace/en/exhibition/exhibits/exhibit_06/index.html [3] National Archives and Records Administration, "Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission: Summary of Findings," accessed March 27, 2023, https://www.archives.gov/research/japan-atomic-bombings/abcc-summary-findings [4] United States Strategic Bombing Survey, "Interim Report on the Effects of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki," August 30, 1945, accessed March 27, 2023, https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/nukevault/ebb261/index.htm
- The declassified "Hiroshima Mission" document, revealing initial U.S. estimates, provides insights about the death toll from the atomic bombing, suggesting at least 100,000 deaths on August 6, 1945.
- Meanwhile, general news reveals that Hiroshima's official estimate places the death toll at around 140,000 people by the end of 1945, highlighting a discrepancy of approximately 40,000 deaths.
