The atomic bomb

• The "Manhattan Project" started in 1942 to develop the atomic bomb before Germany
• July 16, 1945 : first conclusive test of an atomic bomb
• July 26, 1945 : Potsdam conference, the Allies called upon Japan to proclaim the "unconditional surrender" or face "prompt and utter destruction"
• August 6, 1945 : bombing of Hiroshima and August 9 Nagasaki : ARound 200,000 civilian casualties
• September 2 : formal surrender of Japan