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The Story of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, Who Survived Multiple Nuclear Attacks

One of the most unique and sad tales of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings is of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, who experienced both bombings and lived to tell the story. His terrifying encounters provide a window into the atrocities of nuclear conflict and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unfathomable suffering.

Early Life and Career

A picture of Tsutomu in his youth.
Image by: India Times

Tsutomu Yamaguchi was born in Nagasaki, Japan, on March 16, 1916. He belonged to a simple, rural Japanese family. Yamaguchi was a gifted student who thrived in the classroom. Later, he pursued his engineering degree at Tokyo’s Waseda University.

One of the pictures of the legendary Tsutomu Yamaguchi.
Image by: Wikipedia

Yamaguchi returned to Nagasaki after receiving his degree and started working for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, one of the country’s most prominent businesses. He was responsible for working at the company’s shipyard in Hiroshima, where he witnessed the detonation of the first atomic weapon.

Hiroshima Bombing

The devastating after-effects in Hiroshima after the nuclear bombing.
Image by: The National WWII Museum

Yamaguchi visited Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, as part of a tour for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. He had just completed a meeting when he noticed a bright flash in the sky while returning to his hotel. In an interview with The Guardian, he subsequently described the incident as follows:

“I saw a light, a bright light, and I heard a noise, a really loud noise, like the sound of a big explosion. I was thrown into the air, and everything went dark.”

Yamaguchi was only three kilometers from the explosion’s core when it occurred. He had extensive burns all over his body, debris in his head, and other serious wounds. Despite his injuries, he returned to his hotel and spent the night in agony.

Yamaguchi found a train the following day and returned to Nagasaki, where he got medical attention for his wounds. 

Nagasaki Bombing

Aftermath of the Nagasaki bombing which left the area in ruins.
Image by: GBH

Despite his injuries, Yamaguchi returned to work at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries just days after the Hiroshima bombing. He was determined to help his country get back on its feet. However, fate had other plans for him.

On August 9, 1945, just three days after the Hiroshima incident, Yamaguchi was at work in Nagasaki when he heard the whistling sound of an incoming bomb. He immediately recognized the sound and realized that a second atomic attack was about to happen.

Yamaguchi narrated the bombardment of Nagasaki in his own words:

“Suddenly, the sky went black, and there was a tremendous noise. I felt myself being thrown into the air again, and when I looked up, I saw a mushroom cloud forming over the city.”

This time, Yamaguchi was just two kilometers from the explosion’s core. Once more, he was severely hurt, his body covered in burns and scars. He spent hours under the debris before being freed and brought to the hospital.

The Aftermath of the Bombing

The destruction caused by the bombing attacks.
Image by: All that’s Interesting

Yamaguchi resisted telling others his story in the years directly following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He battled to cope with the trauma of his experiences and was plagued by survivor’s guilt, like many other bomb survivors.

In Japan, there was a widespread belief that survivors of the bombings carried a greater risk of health problems and genetic defects. Many survivors faced discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas of life as a result.

Anti-Nuclear War Activism

A news article related to Tsutomu Yamaguchi.
Image by: Facebook

Yamaguchi started talking about his encounters publicly decades later, in the 1950s. In 2005, Yamaguchi discussed his initial reluctance to share his tale in an interview with The Guardian. He said:

“At first, I did not want to talk about it, even to my family. I did not want to relive the memories of that terrible day. But as I grew older, I realized that it was my duty to tell my story, to bear witness to what happened.”

To raise awareness of the horrors of nuclear war and the necessity of striving for a peaceful world, he shared his story in several interviews, including those with the New York Times and the BBC. 

In 2006, he gave a speech and spread his message of peace in the United Nations. The Japanese government honored Yamaguchi with the Order of the Rising Sun in 2009 for his anti-nuclear activism. 

Death and Legacy

Old age picture of Yamaguchi.
Image by: Cultural News

Tsutomu Yamaguchi lived a long life after surviving the two atomic bomb attacks, and he passed away on January 4, 2010, at 93 from stomach cancer.

In the years following his death, numerous people and groups have continued Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s legacy. The “Tsutomu Yamaguchi Legacy of Hope Foundation,” founded in 2015 to foster peace, education, and cultural exchange, is among the most well-known.

In addition to the foundation, many other people and organizations worldwide have continued Yamaguchi’s legacy. His life has been the topic of books, documentaries, and other media. His support for disarmament and peace motivates people to work toward a more fair and peaceful world.

Conclusion

Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s survival of both atomic bombings is a powerful reminder of the human cost of nuclear war and the importance of peace. His life serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. He said, “I don’t want anyone else ever to experience what I experienced. I don’t want anyone to suffer the way I suffered.”

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American History Blog Posts History Learning Materials

How Did Ancient Rome Influence the Foundations of America?

Ancient Rome was one of the most significant civilizations in human history, and its impact on the modern world is undeniable. The United States of America, in particular, has a rich history closely intertwined with that of ancient Rome. This article will explore how ancient Rome influenced the foundations of America.

Republicanism and Democracy

An address given in an Ancient Rome cabinet.
Image by: Students of History

The Roman concept of republicanism has highly influenced the American systems of government — a government in which citizens have a voice in the decision-making process. Famous historian Gordon S. Wood writes, “The Roman Republic was the model of a virtuous republic in which citizens acted for the common good, and it was the model that American patriots looked to as they established their republic.”  

The Roman’s emphasis on civic duty was incorporated into American political thought. Figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin emphasized that the citizens participating in the political process are a fundamental tenet of both republicanism and democracy.

Law and Justice

Image showing the law of the twelve tables.
Image by: Britannica

Many aspects of Roman law, such as the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence, are deeply ingrained in American legal culture. As historian David Brion Davis writes, “The Roman conception of the rule of law, in which even the most powerful individuals were subject to the law, was a key influence on the American legal system.” 

The use of Latin legal terms, such as habeas corpus and pro bono, is also a testament to the influence of Roman law on the American legal system.

Symbols and Institutions

A typical bald eagle in US.
Image by: National Park Service

The United States Supreme Court was modeled after the Roman Republic’s system of magistrates. Justices of the Supreme Court are appointed for life, similar to Roman magistrates’ appointments.

Literature and Language

Art depicting Virgil reading the Aeneid.
Image by: Wikipedia

Latin, the official language of the Roman Empire, has significantly influenced the English language. Many Latin words and expressions are frequently used, especially in law, science, and health. For example, the term “quid pro quo” is commonly used in legal contexts to represent an exchange of goods or services for something else, and the phrase “et cetera” is frequently used in everyday speech to denote “and so on.”

American writers have long studied and admired the writings of Roman authors like Virgil, Ovid, Horace, and Cicero. Walt Whiteman and Herman Melville’s poetic themes of national identity and sacrifice resonate with Virgil’s Aeneid.

Architecture and Design

Image of the Colosseum in Rome.
Image by: Wikipedia

Ancient Rome had a significant impact on the architecture and design of America, particularly during the Neoclassical period of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This style of architecture was characterized by its use of classical motifs and proportions, drawing heavily on the architectural styles of ancient Greece and Rome.

Image by: Wikipedia

The United States Capitol building, completed in 1800, was designed to resemble a Roman temple. Its dome, the most iconic feature of the building, is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. 

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Image by: PBS

The Lincoln Memorial, built in 1922, is also based on the architecture of ancient Rome. It features 36 Doric columns commonly used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. 

Other than that, the White House, Central Park, Boston Public Garden, Supreme Court Building, and Jefferson Memorial also reflect Roman architecture.

Education

Stone carving of education in Ancient Rome.
Image by: History Learning

Roman education inspired American educational reformer Horace Mann, who advocated for establishing a public education system that would offer a fundamental education to all kids, regardless of their social status or upbringing.

During the colonial era, the United States adopted the Roman classical educational system, which remained a pillar of American education until the early 20th century.

A building of the Harvard University.
Image by: Harvard Official

Harvard University, founded in 1636, was deeply influenced by the classical education system of the Romans. Princeton, Columbia, and the University of Virginia were also modeled after the ancient Roman education system. 

Conclusion

Despite the many differences between the cultures of ancient Rome and contemporary America, it is evident that Rome’s influence is still felt in modern-day America. By studying the past and comprehending its impact on the current society, we can better appreciate the rich history and culture that have shaped the modern world.

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Blog Posts History History Adventures Learning Materials

What People in 1923 Predicted About 2023

A library containing history books

In 1923, people envisioned what the world might look like 100 years later. From science fiction authors to newspapers, people made many predictions about the technological and societal advancements that might be possible by 2023. Some predictions were far-fetched and unbelievable, while others were surprisingly accurate. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most exciting predictions made about 2023 back in 1923.

Scholars Predicted Advancements in Weather Forecasting

The 1923 magazine Science and Invention published an article predicting that humans would be able to control the weather. The author speculated about several possible methods for controlling the weather, which included using giant fans to move clouds and create rain. 

One article in the 1923 newspaper series by the University of Calgary stated that scholars “accurately predicted advances in meteorology and the ability to forecast weather more accurately.”

Image by: Twitter

Satirical Prediction of Women Shaving Their Heads

A passage in the novel “Crome Yellow” by Aldous Huxley, published in 1921, reads:

“I prophesy that before the end of this century, all the women will wear trousers, and they will find them more comfortable and convenient than skirts. They will also have their hair cut short, and blacken their teeth. Women will become taller, more muscular, and more flat-chested.”

Image by: Twitter

It’s worth noting that this passage is a satirical comment on the cultural changes that were taking place in the early 20th century. Although predictions of women wearing trousers and cutting their hair short became true, others, such as blackening their teeth, did not. 

Cities in the Sky

Image by: Gizmodo

In a 1923 issue of Science and Invention, an article titled “The Science of Tomorrow” predicted that by 2023, people would live in “a new world of sky-scraping aero-cities.” According to the prediction, enormous dirigibles or airships would transport people and products between floating towns in the clouds. 

Air travel is already a standard means of transportation. However, the concept of aero-cities and airship travel is still firmly rooted in science fiction.

No More Hard Work by 2023

Another optimist electrical engineer Dr. Charles P. Steinmetz made a prediction about the future of work. He believed that by 2023, advancements in technology would increase efficiency to the point where people would no longer need to work long hours. Instead, people would be able to get more done in less time, which would lead to shorter work days and more free time for leisure. 

Image by: BoredPanda

Teleportation Would Be Possible

In 1923, the French artist and writer possibility of the teleportation of humans by 2023. Robida described a device that could scan a person’s body, disintegrate it, and recreate it in a new location. Despite ongoing scientific advancements, teleportation remains impossible. However, quantum teleportation has made progress, which involves transferring quantum information from one place to another.

Image by: BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Optimistic Views on Life Expectancy

In 1923, some experts predicted that life expectancy would continue to rise, predicting a lifespan of 100 or 300 years, with some people potentially living much longer.

However, the reality today is that the average life expectancy varies depending on the country. In 2016, the average life expectancy of a baby born in the United States was 76.4 years, while in Australia, it was over 82 years, a decade more than the world average of 72.75 years.

While we may not have reached the wildly optimistic predictions of 100 or 300-year lifespans, there have been significant improvements in public health and medical science over the past century. These improvements have led to longer and healthier lives, and it is likely that life expectancy will continue to rise in the future.

Image by: Twitter

Cities Would Be Covered by Giant Glass Dome

During the 1920s, it was believed that air pollution and extreme weather conditions would make it impossible for people to live in cities. As a solution, some predicted that giant glass domes would cover cities. In 1923, an article in the Chicago Tribune suggested that “in the year 2023, the problem of keeping the rain, the cold, and the wind out of our great cities will have been solved by using mammoth glass domes.” 

While the prediction about giant glass domes did not come true, some attempts have been made to build enclosed cities or biodomes for scientific research and ecological purposes.

Image by: Wikipedia

Final Word

Many of the forecasts made by people in the 1920s were influenced by their hopes and anxieties for the future. Some people were enthusiastic about technology’s ability to fix the world’s problems, while others were concerned that technological advancement would lead to social and environmental degradation. With that said, looking back at these predictions can provide insights into the ambitions and anxieties of the previous era. 

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American History Blog Posts History History Adventures Old West

6 Shocking Things Considered Normal in the American Wild West

Old West Gun Fight | Sergio Leoni style
Old West Gun Fight

The American Wild West was a time of lawlessness and rugged individualism. The only goal of the Westerners was survival! The frontier’s unique challenges and dangers shaped the period’s cultural norms. You’d be amazed to know that many practices considered normal at the time would be shocking today.

From public executions to photographing dead bodies, the Wild West was where the harsh realities of life on the frontier defined societal norms. This article will explore some of the most shocking things considered normal in the American Wild West.

Photographing the Dead Bodies

Charley Pierce, a famous American outlaw. Image by:  Pinterest

Reassuring the public of an outlaw’s death was so tricky in the Wild West that it became customary to photograph the body. When an outlaw died or was killed, they would be pictured standing against the wall before the body stiffened up. 

Only after this practice was the body buried. The images were also required as verification while receiving awards. When there was no photograph, there was no certainty that the outlaw was dead.

Traveling Corpse

Image by: Stillwater News Press

One of the Wild West’s most shocking and bizarre tales is that of Elmer McCurdy and his traveling corpse. Elmer McCurdy was a notorious outlaw whose life ended in 1911 after he was shot dead by law enforcement. 

However, his body was not buried. An undertaker preserved it, and the mummified body was put to display for about sixty years before a proper burial in Oklahoma. Bizarre, isn’t it?

Public Executions

Image by: eVanNicole / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Public executions were carried out to maintain law and discourage crime. Large audiences used to gather around to witness the executions. It was common for vendors to sell food and drinks to the spectators while they saw the executions. Talk about sinister theater, right?  

The legal system in the Wild West was frequently untested and prone to errors. Numerous public executions took place as a result of erroneous trials. At times, people were executed for crimes they did not commit, adding to the controversy surrounding public executions. Such executions were also racially biased. Minorities, especially African Americans, were punished more than whites, adding to the inequalities that existed in American society at that time. The practice, despite its cruelty, was widely accepted until abolished in the late 20th century.

Exploitative Prostitution 

mage by: Daily Mail

The rapid growth of towns and cities in the American Wild West brought a demand for prostitution. Poor women with limited work opportunities were forced into prostitution to survive. 

Many of these women were immigrants or members of minorities, making them especially vulnerable to exploitation. They were frequently exposed to severe working circumstances, including long hours, little pay, and physical assault. 

Prostitutes were also in considerable danger of developing sexually transmitted diseases and being assaulted by customers or pimps.

Additionally, local newspapers of that time would identify and mention prostitutes as a symbol of disgrace. There was a conflicting attitude towards prostitutes in the west. They were both desired for their sexual services (joy) and reviled for their perceived moral corruption (misery), as narrated in Anne Butler’s book “Daughters of Joy, Sisters of Misery.”

Significant Violence and Lawlessness

Image by: ArtStation

The American Wild West was a time of widespread bloodshed and anarchy. The lack of robust law enforcement created a dangerous atmosphere in the state where violence was a constant concern.

There were numerous sources of violence, including confrontations between settlers and Native American tribes or disagreements over land and resources. It was common for people in the wild west to carry firearms in public. It was considered a sign of bravery and toughness, widely accepted and encouraged.

Duels, brawls, and other forms of violence were common, and it was often necessary to defend oneself.

The Short-Lived Camel Craze of the American Frontier

Camels were brought to the Wild West by the US Army as an experiment to see if they could be used as pack animals in the desert terrain of the Southwest. The experiment began in the mid-1850s and lasted until the early 1860s.

According to David Roberts, author of “The Last Camel Charge: The Untold Story of America’s Desert Military Experiment,” the US Army imported 75 camels from the Middle East to Texas in 1856, and by 1860, there were 34 camels stationed at Camp Verde in the Texas Hill Country.

However, camels were not well-liked by soldiers and civilians alike, as they were seen as stubborn and difficult to handle. In addition, their strange appearance and unpleasant smell made them unpopular.

The use of camels in the Wild West was short-lived, as the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 diverted the attention and resources of the US Army. Many of the camels were sold off, and others were simply released into the wild.

Final Word

In conclusion, the American Wild West was a time of great danger and lawlessness. It is marked by unique cultural norms and practices that often shock modern standards. From public executions and widespread use of violence to the treatment of women, the Wild West was far from the romanticized version often portrayed in popular culture.