Ep 24. The Bomb: February - September 1945

The World At War is a gripping documentary series that chronicles the events of World War II with rare footage, photographs, and personal accounts from those who lived through it. In season 1 episode 24, The Bomb: February - September 1945, the focus is on the development and use of the atomic bomb by the United States.

The episode begins by exploring the motivations behind the Manhattan Project, the top-secret effort led by the US government to develop an atomic bomb. Scientists such as Robert Oppenheimer and Enrico Fermi are profiled, and the episode gives insight into the challenges they faced in creating a weapon with such unprecedented destructive power.

As the war in Europe draws to a close, the race to complete the bomb intensifies. Archive footage shows the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the devastating aftermath that ensued. The episode doesn't shy away from exploring the ethical implications of the decision to use the bomb, with interviews from historians and survivors offering their perspectives.

In addition to the atomic bomb, the episode also covers other pivotal events from the final months of the war in Asia, including the successful Soviet invasion of Manchuria and the signing of the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri.

The Bomb: February - September 1945 is a thought-provoking episode of The World At War that offers a comprehensive look at one of the most significant and controversial moments in human history. With fascinating archival footage and insightful commentary, the episode provides a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of war.