The United States marked its 80th anniversary of dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August. A new Pew Research Center survey found that 83% of Americans know about these events, but opinions on their justifiability vary widely. Thirty-five percent say the bombings were justified, while 31% say they were not.
The bombings are estimated to have killed between 100,000 to over 200,000 people, with many deaths instantaneous and more occurring years later due to radiation effects. The bombings ended World War II, but also accelerated the nuclear arms race.
Historically, public opinion on the bombings has been mixed. A 1945 Gallup poll found that 85% of Americans approved of the United States’ actions, while a 1990 survey found 53% approval. In a 2015 Pew Research Center survey, 56% said the use was justified, with 34% disagreeing.
Views on the bombings differ by demographics, including gender, age, party, and ideology. Men are more likely to say the bombings were justified, while women are more likely to say they were not. Older Americans tend to be more pro-bombings, but younger generations disagree.
The development of nuclear weapons has made the world less safe, according to 69% of Americans, including majorities of Democrats and Republicans. Views on the safety of the United States specifically are also mixed, with many believing it has become less safe due to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/07/28/80-years-later-americans-have-mixed-views-on-whether-use-of-atomic-bombs-on-hiroshima-nagasaki-was-justified