The tragic history of the ‘Atomic Dome’ in Hiroshima

Before the devastation of World War II, Hiroshima was a thriving city known for its vibrant local culture and rare strategic importance.

The Atomic Dome was originally designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and was completed in 1915. It would serve various functions, including hosting a number of exhibitions and was the location of a number of important government administrative offices.  

The building was a blend of Western and Eastern architectural elements. It featured a grand central dome, which became a distinctive part of the city's skyline.

The Hall was intended to promote local industries and facilitate economic growth in the region. In the years following its completion, the building hosted numerous exhibitions and events. 

In addition to its economic functions, the Hall served as an administrative center for various local government activities.

It housed offices for organizations involved in promoting Hiroshima's industrial development. It was located near the Aioi Bridge, which meant that the building was easily accessible and became a bustling hub of activity.

During the 1920s and 1930s, it played a pivotal role in the city's industrial and commercial life. The Hall's spacious exhibition areas and modern facilities made it an ideal venue for trade fairs and business meetings. 

When the war began, Hiroshima was a significant military resource, as it housed the headquarters of the Fifth Division and the Second General Army.

As a result, it would become an obvious target for any attack by the Allied forces. So, on August 6, 1945, at precisely 8:15 a.m., the Enola Gay, a B-29 bomber, released the atomic bomb named "Little Boy" over Hiroshima.

The bomb detonated approximately 600 meters above the city and unleashed an explosion equivalent to 15 kilotons of TNT.

The blast immediately killed around 80,000 people, with tens of thousands more succumbing to injuries and radiation exposure in the following weeks.

In total, by the end of 1945, the death toll had reached approximately 140,000. Within moments, the once-thriving city was reduced to smoldering ruins. 

Over 60% of the buildings in Hiroshima levelled. In the heart of this destruction stood the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion, mostly intact.

Its dome and walls remained partially standing. When the atomic bomb exploded approximately 600 meters above the city, the Hall was located almost directly beneath the hypocenter.

This position meant the blast's force came from almost directly above. The vertical pressure, while devastating, was less likely to completely flatten the robust structure compared to the horizontal pressure experienced by buildings further away.

Consequently, the central dome and some of the walls remained standing, though heavily damaged. 

Additionally, the Hall's construction played a significant role in its partial survival. The building featured a steel frame and reinforced concrete, which provided it with a stronger foundation compared to many surrounding structures.

Many of Hiroshima's buildings at the time were made of wood and other less durable materials, leading to widespread destruction. 

In the immediate aftermath of the bombing, the city's infrastructure lay in ruins, with essential services like water, electricity, and transportation severely disrupted.

By August 7, the day after the bombing, efforts to rescue survivors and provide medical care began, but the scale of the disaster overwhelmed these initial attempts.

Many of the injured lacked access to proper medical treatment, leading to a significant number of additional deaths.  

For weeks, the city's population struggled with the effects of radiation sickness and the psychological trauma of the attack.

As the months passed, the full impact of radiation became evident, causing long-term health problems for many survivors.

For years, the survivors, known as hibakusha, faced physical and emotional challenges, including cancer and other radiation-related illnesses.

In the months following the bombing, Hiroshima began the arduous process of rebuilding. The Japanese government, along with international aid organizations, worked to clear debris and provide temporary housing for the displaced population.

By early 1946, reconstruction efforts had gained momentum, with a focus on restoring basic services and rebuilding homes and public buildings.  

Over time, the Atomic Dome became a focal point for peace and remembrance. On August 6, 1947, Hiroshima held its first Peace Memorial Ceremony.

This was the beginning of an annual tradition to honor the victims and advocate for nuclear disarmament. This event quickly attracted global attention.

The Japanese government, along with local authorities, committed to preserving the Dome as a historic site. 

In 1966, the Japanese government declared the Atomic Dome a national historic site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

As a result, the Dome became an integral part of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, attracting visitors and dignitaries from around the globe.

They came to pay their respects and to learn about the catastrophic impact of nuclear warfare. The Atomic Dome helps convey the real-world consequences of nuclear conflict to students and visitors.

Schools and educational programs use the Dome to teach about the history of World War II and the impact of the atomic bombings.