Which cities did the U.S. target with atomic bombs to bring about Japan's surrender?

The U.S. targeted Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs to precipitate Japan's surrender in World War II. Hiroshima was bombed on August 6, 1945, followed by Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. These two cities were chosen due to their military significance, as well as their potential impact on Japanese morale. The bombings aimed to hasten the end of the conflict and avoid a prolonged and bloody invasion of the Japanese mainland, which was anticipated to result in significant casualties on both sides. As a result of the devastation caused by the bombings, Japan announced its surrender on August 15, 1945, effectively bringing an end to the war in the Pacific. The decision to use atomic bombs and the choice of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been subjects of intense historical debate and moral consideration, but they were pivotal in the U.S. strategy to conclude the war swiftly.