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The extreme explosive power of nuclear weapons comes from the energy released from nuclear fusion or fission. Nuclear fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom is split, usually using uranium. Nuclear fusion is achieved by combining two smaller atoms to produce one larger atom. Both reactions produce immense quantities of radiation and heat energy, which can be extremely destructive.
The first nuclear weapons were developed in the United States by an international team of scientists during World War II, mostly out of fear that the Nazis would discover the technology first and use it against the Allies.
Although many tests have been performed by various countries throughout the world, the only instance of aggressive nuclear action was that taken by the United States against Japan near the end of World War II, when bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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- First nuclear weapons developed as part of the Manhattan Project
- A-Bombs (atomic bombs) use atomic fission
- H-Bombs (hydrogen bombs) use atomic fusion
- Japan bombings immediately killed 120,000 people
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Nuclear Weapons on Amazon
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U.S. Nuclear Arsenal: A History of Weapons and Delivery Systems Since 1945 - $49.95
The atomic bomb ended the war against Japan in 1945 and became the centerpiece of U.S. and Soviet military strategy for the next 45 years. In the late 1940s the debate over whether the atomic bomb was the ultimate arbitrator of internationa...
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History of Nuclear Weapons - The Ultimate Weapons (2-DVD Set) - $24.95
The Ultimate Weapons DVD set from A2ZCDS is both disturbing and fascinating at the same time. Its historical significance can not be overrated – nor can the quality of these incredibly preserved vintage films from the dawn of the nuclear er...
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Thinking About Nuclear Weapons: Principles, Problems, Prospects - $46.91
The book reflects the author's experience across more than forty years in assessing and forming policy about nuclear weapons, mostly at senior levels close to the centre both of British governmental decision-making and of NATO's development...
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Nuclear Weapons: A Very Short Introduction - $8.96
Despite not having been used in anger since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons are still the biggest threat that faces us in the 21st century. Indeed, for all the effort to reduce nuclear stockpiles to zero and to keep other nations (s...
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Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear States, and Terrorism - $44.95
Multidisciplinary in approach, Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear States and Terrorism is appropriate for any course that focuses on war and peace, conflict resolution, arms control, or peace studies. The new edition brings the nuclear discussion int...
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