1945 Countdown: The Atomic Bomb and 116 Days That Changed History

In 1945, the U.S. military dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing 110,000 people. Three days later, another bomb exploded over Nagasaki, claiming 40,000 lives. Japan announced its unconditional surrender, and World War II officially ended. What happened in the 116 days before the atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima? Was it the right military decision, or a terrible act that violated basic humanity? Beginning with Truman taking office as president, this book uses a countdown to uncover the behind-the-scenes story of the decision to bomb Hiroshima. Should the bomb be dropped, or should they wait for Japan to surrender on its own? Would dropping it damage America’s image abroad, or demonstrate its military might ahead of its future confrontation with the Soviet Union? Acclaimed journalists Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss coauthored this book, reconstructing the real decision-making process behind the Hiroshima bombing and delving into the inner worlds of the elusive, iconic figures who were deeply involved in the Manhattan Project!