Photo of Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park. Hiroshima, Japan
As the world takes note of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we wanted to share writings on this subject by UW students and faculty.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki seminar student papers
From 1992 through 2019, Professor Kenneth Pyle taught “Hiroshima and Nagasaki”, an honors level seminar. As part of the curriculum, students were asked to write papers examining the complex historical context and diverse interpretations of the decision to use atomic bombs. This collection houses some of the papers written over the 25 years this course was taught.
Read multiple generations’ thoughts on these bombings
“Hiroshima and the historians: debating America’s most controversial decision” by Professor Kenneth Pyle
In his most recent book, Professor Pyle offers a look at how historians view this topic and how their thoughts have shaped public opinions on the controversy surrounding the use of the atomic bomb. Professor Pyle’s analysis also helps illustrate the need and value historians play in a free society.