The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Specifically, the bomb on Hiroshima was dropped on August 6, and the bomb on Nagasaki followed three days later, on August 9. These bombings played a pivotal role in hastening the end of World War II by compelling Japan to surrender unconditionally. The immediate and devastating effects of the bombs led to immense loss of life and long-term radiation effects, and they have since sparked ethical debates over nuclear weapons and warfare, fundamentally changing military strategy and international relations.