Atomic Heritage Foundation

In partnership with the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

September 23, 1949

September 23, 1949

Harry Truman announces the explosion of the first Soviet atomic bomb, which came to be known as "Joe-1" (for Joseph Stalin) or First Lightning, to the American public.

Related Images: 
Newspaper announcing that the USSR has the bomb
Date Range: 
1949CE Sep 23rd
Era: 
1946 to 1949: Exploring Thermonuclear Weapons