THE ATOM BOMB AND THE HYDROGEN BOMB

Introduction

The Second World War had entered its last stage. It was the month of August in 1945 that the world came to know about the atom bomb. The Nazi forces had surrendered but Japan was still holding out. In consequence of the doggedness of the Japanese forces, the Americans dropped an atom bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, and a few days later, on Nagasaki. Both the towns were reduced to ashes in no time and Japan was brought to her heels.

The story of the invention of the atom bomb

The theory of the atom bomb had been known to the scientists of the West for a long time. They knew that the atom was non-divisible, but if any scientist could split it into its component parts-protons, neutrons and electrons, he would give a miraculous thing to the mankind. In the U.S.A. Germany and England scientists had been making efforts for a long time to split the atom. Some German scientists after getting some success in the venture crossed the channel and reached England and carried on further their researches with money and material provided by England. It is said that the English people spent 25 million pounds on atomic research. During the course of Second World War, the scene was shifted from England to the U. S. A. where a huge atomic research laboratory was established in Tennessey Valley with the American money. The whole plan of the establishment was kept a secret. In the middle of 1945, the efforts of scientists bore fruit and too to Hohn was recognized and acclaimed as the hero of the atomic research. In July 1945, in the desert of Mexico and in the presence of British and American scientists, the first atom bomb was exploded. Its effects were astounding. The explosion of the bomb caused a gigantic pillar of smoke and light to go up in the sky. There was a flash of dazzling light more effective than lightening. Along with it, a hurricane swept over the whole area. was extreme heat in the atmosphere around. After this successful experiment, America used atom bomb against Japan.

American dropped the atom bomb on Japan

As soon as America dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the war came to an abrupt end. The Allies rejoiced over the victory but the atom bomb created, many new problems after solving one great problem. The Allies called the atom bomb a savior of mankind because it prevented the colossal destruction which might have been caused by the prolongation of the war. On the other hand, some clergymen of England vehemently condemned the use of the atom bomb and refused to celebrate the Victory Day. In their opinion, it was the climax of brutality to have destroyed eighty thousand innocent people of Hiroshima within seconds.

The use of atomic energy and international competition

The atomic energy can be used for constructive purposes and it can replace electricity as it has been claimed by some eminent scientists. But it is a great pity that the world’s attention has been focused on its destructive use. For sometime, America had the monopoly of the atom bomb, but now Russia too, is in possession of this dangerous weapon. The war-monger and the unscrupulous country, the Communist China has also been successful in inventing the atom bomb. Consequently, bitterness and conflict among the powerful nations has grown and a sort of race in atomic rearmament is hidden going on in the world.

The United Nations and Atomic Energy Control

The United Nations set up an Atomic Energy Control Commission on January 24, 1949 with a view to restricting the use of atomic energy for destructive purposes and putting under international control the total available quantity of uranium, a mineral needed for splitting the atom. Since then, many Committees, Sub, committees and Commissions have been set up at international level to control the manufacture of the atom bomb but to no effect. America has threatened many times to use the atom bomb. Russia, too will not hesitate in using the atom bomb, if the urgency arises. China is impatiently waiting for the use of the atom bomb against democratic nations.

The Hydrogen bomb and its explosion

Mankind is not inclined to forget anything of the part and learn anything from the past. Scientists have invented a more dangerous and destructive bomb called the Hydrogen bomb. Its first unsuccessful experimental explosion was made in the Pacific in March 1954. We have known what happened to some Japanese fishermen on whose boat the radio active ashes of this exploded Hydrogen bomb rained down. The victims were reported to have suffered from misdiagnosed diseases. Experts in the subject have declared that the effects of Hydrogen bomb are unthinkably fatal. In short, it may be said that the use of the Hydrogen bomb will bring an age of darkness and death; there may or may not be any one to rejoice over the victory. The victorious and the vanquished, both will be reduced to ashes.

Conclusion

China tested the Hydrogen bomb successfully and the entire humanity got frightened. China, an overambitious and unscrupulous country can take any step at any time. Her ever-increasing military power and her collusion with Pakistan have become a problem for Indians. The best defense is strength. Hence, India shaking off the power of Idealism, should manufacture the Atom bomb and the Hydrogen bomb without delay and doubt. In spite of the non-violent opposition by philosopher and statesmen like late Bertrand Russell and C. Rajagopalachari, the nations of world are busy secretly in manufacturing deadly bombs and there seems to be no silver lining in the dark clouds of international tension and bitterness. Even then, we should hope that the use of atomic weapons will be banned by means of an international treaty.

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