Ep 3. The Last Bomb

In the third episode of season one of History in HD, titled "The Last Bomb," viewers are taken on a journey through the final stages of World War II. The episode focuses specifically on the atomic bomb and the role it played in bringing the war to an end.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the Manhattan Project, the top secret government operation tasked with developing the atomic bomb. Viewers learn about the scientists involved, the challenges they faced, and the ultimate success of the project when the first atomic bomb test was conducted in Alamogordo, New Mexico on July 16, 1945.

From there, the episode shifts focus to the deployment of the atomic bomb as a weapon of war. Viewers are shown how the decision was made to use the bomb against Japan, with President Harry S. Truman ultimately giving the order to drop the bomb on the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

The episode does an excellent job of conveying the sheer destructive power of the atomic bomb. Viewers are shown archive footage and photographs of the aftermath of the bomb, including the catastrophic destruction of the city and the horrific injuries suffered by survivors. Some of the most emotional moments of the episode come from interviews with survivors and their families, who discuss the physical and psychological toll of the bombing.

Despite the devastating impact of the bomb, the episode also takes a nuanced approach to the decision to use it. Viewers are presented with different arguments and points of view, including the opinions of some scientists who were involved in the Manhattan Project and felt that the bomb should not be used in war. The episode also acknowledges the controversial nature of the decision, with Truman later writing that dropping the bomb was "the hardest decision I ever had to make."

The episode's focus then shifts to the aftermath of the bombing and the Japanese government's response. Viewers learn about the debate within the government over whether to surrender, with some factions advocating for continued resistance even in the face of overwhelming destruction. The episode also delves into the political and social factors that contributed to Japan's eventual surrender, including the involvement of the Soviet Union.

Overall, "The Last Bomb" is a compelling and informative episode of History in HD. It provides a deep dive into the development and deployment of the atomic bomb, while also exploring the diverse perspectives on its use. The emotional interviews with survivors and their families add a human element to the episode, making it a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of war.