NAGASAKI - The City that ended World War II & ushered in the Atomic Age

Nagasaki is a historic harbor in SW Japan that played a major role in the history of Japan from the 17th to the 19th century, when they closed their border & went into seclusion for over 200 years in an attempt to prevent the spread of European influence in their island nation. Catholicism was introduced in 1549 & the Christian community grew steadily so that by the early 17th century Nagasaki had become known as the "Rome of Japan" with up to 500,00 people identifying themselves as Christians. Alarmed, the Feudal Lords who saw this as a threat to their local government. By 1633 Christianity was banned & the Portuguese & all missionaries were expelled, then adapted an isolationist policy from 1641 to 1859. In 1853 US Commodore Matthew Perry appeared at Tokyo bay w/ a show of force & convinced Japan to sign a treaty to open their borders & trade w/ the US & the rest of the world. Japan was quick to adapt western ways & rapidly developed advanced technology & industrialization. By the 20th century they have built a mighty military w/ ambitions to expand their empire all over Asia. They invaded Korea in 1910, Manchuria in 1931, Nanking in 1937 then the whole of SE Asia & the South Pacific Island in 1941. They mounted a surprise attack on the U.S. Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. This marked the beginning of the Pacific War of WW II. Though their blitzkrieg invasions were successful initialy, the overwhelming superiority of the US & Allied forces prevailed over the Japanese Imperial Army. Though they know that there was no chance of victory, the hardline military leaders refused to surrender even after the devastating effect of the Atomic bomb dropped in Hiroshima on Aug, 6, 1945 & w/ repeated warnings that a 2nd bomb will be dropped if they persists to fight. After the 2nd Atomic bomb was dropped in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945 half of the war council still refused to accept surrender. Emperor Hirohito seeing the needless suffering of the population, exerted his authority to accept the terms of surrender to end the war. This message was sent to the US & Allied Forces on Aug 10, 1945 thus ending WW 2. In less than 10 years Nagasaki & the rest of Japan fully recovered. It is remarkable how a city totally obliterated can recover so efficiently w/ spectacular economic growth & industrialization to become one of the technologically & economically advanced societies. They have resiliency & ability to recover from a shocking devastation.

Видео NAGASAKI - The City that ended World War II & ushered in the Atomic Age канала Ernie Madarang