Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
During the final stages of World War II in 1945, the United States, as part of the Manhattan Project, developed two types of atomic bombs. These were used against the Empire of Japan to hasten its surrender.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. "Little Boy": This was the first nuclear weapon used in warfare. It was a uranium-based gun-type fission weapon. On August 6, 1945, it was dropped on the city of Hiroshima by the B-29 bomber Enola Gay.
2. "Fat Man": This was the second nuclear weapon used. It was a plutonium-based implosion-type fission weapon. On August 9, 1945, it was dropped on the city of Nagasaki by the B-29 bomber Bockscar.
The use of these two bombs led to Japan's unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945, officially ending World War II.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The two nuclear bombs dropped on Japan were named "Little Boy" (on Hiroshima) and "Fat Man" (on Nagasaki).