DOCUMENT RESUME

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TITLE The Last Act: The Atomic and the End of II.0 INSTITUTION , , D.C. National Air And Space Museum. DATE Jan 95 NOTE 154p.; This is the original exhibition script for the Smithsonian's "" Exhibit. For the shortened and revised script that was implemented, see SO 027 000. Photographic illustrations are briefly noted; the photographs are not included. PUB TYPE Creative Works (Literature,Drama,Fine Arts)(030)

EDRS PRICE MF01/PC07 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Current Events; Exhibits; *International Relations; Science; *Modern History; ; *; Political Issues; * History; ; World Problems; *World War II IDENTIFIERS *Enola Gay;

ABSTRACT This text was to have been the script for the National Air and Space Museum's exhibition of the Enola Gay, focusing on the end of World War II and the decision of the United States to use of the atomic bomb. The Enola Gay was a B-29 aircraft that carried the atomic bomb dropped on , Japan, on , 1945. The atomic bomb brought a sudden end to World War II and ushered in the nuclear age. The event was one of the critical turning points of the . This exhibition describes the war between Japan and the United States and its allies, the building of the atomic bomb, the decision to use it, the military effort to carry out that mission, the effects of the bombing, and the of Japan. Each entry in the exhibition program would accompany a display at the Smithsonian. [This material offers the educator material to stimulate discussion, analysis, and critical thinking in world history, modern history, or U.S. history courses.] (EH)

*********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. AAAAA**AA:.AAAAAAAAAAAA:v*:,,AAAAA*.AAA**AA**.i.AAkl.***A.**AAAAAA.****** The Last Act: The Atomic Bomb and the End of World War II.

The Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C.

1995

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TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 41 This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality.

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2 The Last Act, January 1995, page 1

Exhibition Main Title

THE LAST ACT: THE ATOMIC BOMB AND THE END OF WORLD WAR II

Exhibition Main Text

Fifty years ago, the atomic bomb brought a sudden end to World War II and ushered in the nuclear age. The event was one of the critical turning points of our century. This exhibition describes the war between Japan and the United States and its allies, the building of the atomic bomb, the decision to use it, the military effort to carry out that mission, the effects of the bombing, and the