Atomic bombing refers to the use of nuclear weapons to cause massive destruction through explosive energy released from nuclear reactions. The most notable instances occurred during World War II when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. These bombings resulted in significant loss of life and long-term health effects due to radiation exposure. The bombs used were called Little Boy and Fat Man, which utilized uranium and plutonium, respectively. The devastation led to Japan's surrender, effectively ending the war. The bombings also sparked global discussions about nuclear weapons and their ethical implications, shaping international relations in the years that followed.