HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI with ATOMICARCHIVE.COM - DEAD HAND RADIO 11

Dead Hand Radio is a podcast about the Cold War. It’s history and the effects it had on our culture, technology and the future of our world.

WWII Ended 75 years ago after the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities Hiroshima on Aug 6 and Nagasaki on Aug 9 1945. These are the only two times in history that Atomic weapons were used against enemy targets. Though it brought the end of the most terrible military conflict ever experienced by humanity, the toll of these two attacks was tremendous.

Some would argue it should have never been done, others say there was little choice and it saved lives. One thing we can all agree on, is that it should never happen again.

This episode was recorded on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Trinity Test, the world's first atomic bomb. And is being released just prior to the 75th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima, and Nagasaki.

By this time in 1945 War had already ended in Europe, and the leaders of the UK, US and USSR were dividing up the spoils and redrawing borders for the nations of Europe. There was an obvious distrust growing between the Soviet Union and their Western Counterparts and the use of Atomic Weapons by the US against Japan compounded that sentiment for Stalin.

At the same time, the western allies were frustrated by the Soviet Union's interference with so-called “democratic” elections in Eastern Europe, and military posturing by the Soviets in East Germany increased tensions even more. Only through a very creative diplomatic response by the US was war averted, but nevertheless tensions continued to escalate in the years to come.

There are conflicting arguments as to the beginning and ending of the cold war. Some argue that it started with the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Others say it started when the Soviet Union tested their first nuke. What’s notable is that the Cold War was centered around the proliferation of nuclear weapons on a global scale and was a precarious time in the history of humanity.

As part of my journey with this podcast, I visit many online resources to increase my knowledge of the events that took place during the cold war.

One of those resources, AtomicArchive.com is a website dedicated to collecting and storing information, photos and videos related to the testing and development of nuclear weapons and the events of the cold war.

With an abundance of information, photographs, videos and links to additional resources Atomic Archive is an incredible resource for anyone interested in studying the history and science of the atomic bomb and the effects it has on our world.

My guest for this episode of Dead Hand Radio is curator and webmaster of Atomic Archive Chris Griffith

The goal of this show is to examine these and other topics, and guide listeners and guests on a journey of mind expanding contemplation. To learn. To educate. To entertain and exchange ideas with those interested.

So join me, and together we’ll explore a fascinating period of history and examine some incredible advancements in weapons, technology, science, art and culture and discuss how all of it relates to the future of our world.

If you or someone you know has knowledge about the cold war or any other topics we discuss on this program, please get in touch and let’s talk. It could be a great conversation for a future episode and I’m especially interested to talk with anyone who has first hand knowledge of these topics.

If you have questions or comments, drop me an email, or visit DEAD HAND RADIO. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.