The Atomic Bomb

Written by Ariane Knüsel

Contents	Handout with a Swiss doctor’s account of Hiroshima; handout with an interview with the navigator of the Enola Gay; a document containing three sources on the heated debate that was sparked by the National Air and Space Museum’s planned exhibition of the Enola Gay.
Suitable for	Gymnasium
Prerequisites	bombing of Hiroshima
Time	2–3 lessons

What's it about?

These lessons focus on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its perception today. The bombing of Hiroshima should be briefly discussed beforehand. While the doctor’s account focuses on the effects on Hiroshima and its population, the interview with the navigator presents the view of a person who shows no remorse and is adamant that the bomb was necessary. The debate surrounding the exhibition finally allows students to discuss the importance and function of museums in the construction of (imaginary) national pasts.

Downloads

The Atomic Bomb
	Culture Wars	Word [147 KB] · PDF [221 KB]
	Doctors Account	Word [340 KB] · PDF [340 KB]
	Navigator Interview	Word [153 KB] · PDF [208 KB]