History
History
This section provides an overview of the history of the Manhattan Project, the key organizations involved, the science behind the bomb, and more.
Debate over the Japanese Surrender
The debate over what precipitated the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II is a source of contention among historians. This debate has also figured prominently in the discussion of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Discovery of Mendelevium
Mendelevium, or element 101, was discovered at the Berkeley Rad Lab in 1955 using advanced techniques and tools.
Doctor Atomic
Doctor Atomic is an opera composed by John Adams with a libretto by Peter Sellars about the Manhattan Project and the Trinity Test.
Early Atomic Science
In 1914, novelist H. G. Wells envisioned an atomic bomb that would produce a continual radioactive explosion in his book "The World Set Free."
Effects of Radiation
The first concerted effort to understand and study the effects of radiation on humans began in Chicago in 1942.
Electronics and Detonators
Manhattan Project scientists and engineers in Los Alamos, NM designed and developed a number of innovations in the field of electronics.
Environmental Consequences
Both the Oak Ridge and Hanford sites were chosen for their isolation and access to hydropower from surrounding river systems.
French Nuclear Program
France became the fourth country to possess nuclear weapons after its first test in 1960. While development was slowed by the impact of World War II, the achievements of early French research were critical for nuclear development worldwide.