History: Research Plan and Introduction

Name

Institution/Affiliation

Research Question

            What was the physical effect on Japanese civilians after the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945?

Secondary Sources

Reynolds, M. L., & Lynch, F. X. (1955). Atomic bomb injuries among survivors in Hiroshima. Public Health Reports, 70(3), 261–270.

Historical Context: After the Hiroshima bombing there was an urgent need for studies that can present the results regarding atomic bomb injuries sustained in relation to the type of protection survivors were afforded at the time of impact. It was apparent that the effects of the atomic bomb were varying concerning the distance from the point of explosions. Various accounts from the survivors had been collected and compiled by the Joint-Navy Commission, which was tasked with investigating the medical effects of the bomb just a few months after the explosion (Reynolds & Lynch, 1995).  

Influence of Historical Context: In principle, Reynolds and Lynch (1955), decided to compile a statistical study regarding the type of injury sustained by the survivors of the atomic bomb so that to offer an estimated representation of actual injuries sustained in Hiroshima. For that reason, it was considered desirable to compile study and research data to discover the type and extent of injuries suffered by the survivors relating to the distance as well as the type or lack of shelter afforded the survivors. 

Malloy, S. L. (2012). ‘A very pleasant way to die’: Radiation effects and the decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan. Diplomatic History, 36(3), 515–545.

Historical Context: According to Malloy (2012), after the attack on Hiroshima gradually the medical team started to notice strange symptoms among patients, some of the survivors complained of loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and general illness as well as the injuries sustained. As days went by, the doctors were presented with a different mystery where patients developed petechiae complemented by severe loss of hair. Subsequently, this led to a high number of reported deaths regardless of injuries sustained by the patients. A blood analysis conducted on the patients revealed a strange symptom that depicted low count of white blood cells.

Influence of Historical Context: Malloy (2012) asserts that the strange discovery by the doctors regarding the medical effects on the survivors led to an inquiry to discover the details surrounding the bombing. It became apparent that the USA had at its disposal, the pre-Hiroshima knowledge of the effects of radiation concerning the biological effects. Besides, it was revealed that...