The Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings occurred in August 1945 during World War II. The United States dropped atomic bombs on these two Japanese cities to hasten the end of the war. The first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, followed by the second bomb on Nagasaki on August 9. These bombings resulted in massive destruction and loss of life. The immediate impact of the bombings was devastating, with tens of thousands killed instantly and many more suffering from injuries and radiation exposure. The bombings played a significant role in Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945, leading to the end of the war and the beginning of discussions about nuclear weapons and their implications for global security.