Canadian involvement in Asia during the Second World War consisted primarily of participation by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Although a few Canadians did serve in Royal Navy ships, no units of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) served in this area.

War with Japan December 7 th, 1941 – Japan attacks the US at Pearl Harbor. December 25 th, 1941 – Japan captures Hong Kong Battle of Midway – US inflicts a huge naval defeat on Japan, and the U.S. begins Island Hopping (Leap-Frogging) towards Japan Manhattan Project – Top Secret plan to build an atomic bomb by the United States, Britain and Canada (Canada became aware in 1942) July 16 th, 1945 – U.S. scientists succeed in testing the 1 st atomic bomb (Canadian uranium is used to build atomic bombs)

Battle of Midway

The End of the Pacific War As millions of people celebrated Victory-in-Europe (V-E) Day, the Allied leaders grimly prepared for the final struggle in the Pacific, where the full weight of the Allied Forces would now be applied against Japan. Canada, too, prepared for the assault. Nearly 80,000 Canadians volunteered to join the Pacific forces and began concentrating at nine stations across Canada in July Canadian naval participation was also to have been impressive: 60 ships, manned by 13,500 men. However, the war was over before this help was needed. President Truman of the United States had made the fateful decision to use the atomic bomb.

The Canadian 6th Division had been formed and was training to take part in the proposed invasion of Japan. Canadian ships in the British Pacific Fleet and bomber squadrons transferred from Europe would also have been involved. The invasion was rendered unnecessary by the use of nuclear weapons against Japan. Operation Downfall

August 6 th, 1945 – U.S. B-29 bomber “Enola Gay” drops an atomic bomb (Little Boy) on Hiroshima –Between 90,000 to 166,000 people were killed instantly (vaporized) or died by long-term (radiation poisoning) August 9 th, 1945 – U.S. drops an atomic bomb (Fat Man) on Nagasaki –Between 60,000 to 80,000 people killed instantly and long-term August 15 th, 1945 – V-J Day – Victory against Japan –Ends WWII (Germany surrendered in Europe on May 7 th, 1945) C.D. Howe, the Canadian Minister of Munitions and Supply was quoted saying: It is a distinct pleasure for me to announce that Canadian scientists have played an intimate part, and have been associated in an effective way with this great scientific development.

Hiroshima & Nagasaki Atomic Bombs More people actually died in the fire bombing of Japanese cities before the atomic bombs.

Before & After Hiroshima bombing

Hiroshima

Hiroshima – August 6 th, 1945

Nagasaki – August 9th, 1945

Hiroshima Peace Park today

Questions to think about 1.Was the decision to test an atomic bomb without knowing what the outcome could be, a wise decision?

2. Was the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima a wise decision?

3. After the destruction of Hiroshima, was the dropping of a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki necessary?

4. Was the creation of the atomic bomb beneficial on a global standpoint? (Think past World War Two)