The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific

by Bill O'Reilly

Overview

Autumn 1944. World War II is nearly over in Europe, but in the Pacific, American soldiers face an enemy who will not surrender, despite a massive and mounting death toll. Meanwhile, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer and his team of scientists are preparing to test the deadliest weapon known to mankind. Newly inaugurated president Harry Truman faces the most important political decision in history: whether to use that weapon.

Adapted from Bill O'Reilly's historical thriller Killing the Rising Sun, with characteristically gripping storytelling, this story explores the decision to use the atom bomb and the end of World War II in the Pacific.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780594923626
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	06/20/2017
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Bill O'Reilly's success in broadcasting and publishing is unmatched. The iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor led the program to the status of the highest rated cable news broadcast in the nation for sixteen consecutive years. His website BillOReilly.com is followed by millions all over the world.

In addition, he has authored an astonishing 12 number one ranked non-fiction books including the historical "Killing" series. Mr. O'Reilly currently has 17 million books in print.

Bill O'Reilly has been a broadcaster for 42 years. He has been awarded three Emmy's and a number of other journalism accolades. He was a national correspondent for CBS News and ABC News as well as a reporter-anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City among other high profile jobs.

Mr. O'Reilly received two other Emmy nominations for the movies "Killing Kennedy" and "Killing Jesus."

He holds a history degree from Marist College, a masters degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another masters degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Bill O'Reilly lives on Long Island where he was raised. His philanthropic enterprises have raised tens of millions for people in need and wounded American veterans.

Table of Contents

A Note to Readers ix

Key Players xii

Prologue xvi

Part 1 A Bomb to End to the War xviii

Part 2 "Destination: Hiroshima" 74

Part 3 Unconditional Surrender 154

Epilogue 237

Afterword

The Occupation of Japan: Turning an Enemy into an Ally 241

The Decision to Develop and Use the Bomb

Letter from Albert Einstein to FDR 243

General Eisenhower's Thoughts 246

President Truman's Reflections 247

Letters and Opinions from Subsequent Presidents 249

Little Boy and Fat Man 254

Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Immediate and Lasting Effects 256

Pearl Harbor 260

Shame on American Soil: Relocation Centers 263

FDR's "Day of Infamy" Speech 265

Emperor Hirohito's Surrender Speech 268

Japanese War Crimes Trials 271

The Nuclear World 273

After the War 274

Time Line 281

The Author Recommends 285

Author's Source Notes 287

Index 295

Editorial Reviews

The Day the President Was Shot:

"History buffs will enjoy this, and those for whom the Reagan administration is long ago and far away will be taken by an episode that still chills." —Booklist

Hitler's Last Days:

"A skillfully organized overview of the fall of the Third Reich, O’Reilly’s summary coordinates text with graphic photos for maximum impact." —VOYA, starred review

"A helpful additional resource for social studies students and WWII buffs." —Booklist

Kennedy's Last Days:
“A thoroughly documented, visually rich presentation.” —Kirkus Reviews

Lincoln's Last Days:

“This thrillerlike adaptation captures the excitement of the Union victory in the Civil War and the shock and horror that quickly followed as the country learned of Lincoln's death and sought revenge on his assassins. The popularity of O'Reilly's adult title will drive interest in this version, but it definitely stands alone and will find an audience among general readers and report writers.” —School Library Journal

“Accessible to younger readers.” —Booklist

From the Publisher