In Wisconsin, there was lively debate and discussion. The events sparked conversation about the atomic bombings and around the United States people discussed the events. The Smithsonian wished to portray an accurate picture, even at the cost of exposing America?s not so innocent past. Scholars have noted, however, that the real issue at stake was a difference in the way America?s role in history was viewed.
Each of these groups supported their own agendas however, they all centered their arguments on what they say as a lack of balance in the Smithsonian exhibit. Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The Physical, Medical, and Social Effects of the Atomic. In an attempt to portray the end of World War II, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the nuclear arms race, the National Air and Space Museum ran into great opposition from various military groups and certain members of Congress. Enola Gay Exhibit to Report the Facts, Washington Times, March 11, 1995. The controversy had broad implications for the field of history and the arena of American public consciousness.
This paper examines the Smithsonian?Enola Gay controversy, an event which took place between 19.
