On the morning of August 9, 1945, the United States dropped the atomic bomb known as Fat Man on the city of Nagasaki, Japan. This bombing was part of the Allied strategy during the final stages of World War II, which aimed to bring a swift end to the conflict. Bockscar, the B-29 Superfortress bomber that delivered the bomb, targeted Nagasaki after its primary target, Kokura, was obscured by clouds. The bomb detonated with remarkable force, leveling much of the city and resulting in a massive loss of life and widespread devastation.

The estimated immediate death toll reached 35,000, with many victims being Japanese war workers, alongside Korean forced laborers and Japanese soldiers present in the city. The bomb’s explosion obliterated homes, infrastructure, and affected thousands more with radiation sickness in the following days and weeks. The devastation in Nagasaki followed just three days after the bombing of Hiroshima, where another atomic bomb was dropped, which together initiated discussions regarding Japan's potential surrender.

The impact of these bombings was profound, leading to Japan's unconditional surrender days later on August 15, 1945, marking the end of World War II. The use of atomic weapons in Nagasaki and Hiroshima opened a new chapter in warfare and international relations, highlighting the destructive power of nuclear energy. It also sparked ethical debates over the use of such weapons, shaping post-war nuclear policies and international relations.