Nagasaki and Hiroshima History Research Assignment (Essay Sample)

Nagasaki and Hiroshima
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Nagasaki and Hiroshima
Of all the infamies of the 20th century, none surpasses the events that catapulted two of the Japanese cities, Nagasaki and Hiroshima, to international limelight. Located in the islands of Kyushu and Honshu, respectively, Nagasaki and Hiroshima were established in the 16th century, becoming the most influential cities in the subsequent years. Like the mythical phoenix bird, the two cities have risen from their ashes; albeit the massive damages caused by the atomic bombs─ through rapid reconstruction initiated by various stakeholders─ to become Japan’s top cultural and tourist destination. This is in addition to their demographic importance in modern Japan. The two cities have rich cultural, economic and political history that has been; however, eclipsed by the catastrophic bombing that occurred prior to the end of World War II.
Before World War II
Located in the southern tip of archipelagic Japan, Nagasaki came into contact with the outside world in the Mid-16th century, when the first Portuguese explorers landed in the island. Over the years, the city grew exponentially due to rapid commercial partnership with other international jurisdictions such as mainland China and Spain among others. It was during this era...