The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 were the culmination of World War II's Pacific theater and had significant causes and effects. The United States aimed to bring a swift end to the war with Japan and minimize American casualties, influenced by Japan's refusal to surrender. The bombings resulted in devastating immediate destruction and loss of life, causing around 200,000 casualties. The strategic use of atomic bombs demonstrated the devastating power of nuclear weapons and ushered in a new era of military strategy. Additionally, it sparked ethical debates about warfare, prompting calls for nuclear disarmament and shaping international relations throughout the Cold War.