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Einstein Writes a Letter to the President
Physicist Albert Einstein writes a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in regards to Nazi Germany's efforts to purify Uranium-235, which could be used to build an atomic bomb. The Manhattan Project and the Atomic Bomb -
Construction Begins
When the news was heard about the efforts of Nazi Germany, the U.S. Government began a serious undertaking known as the Manhattan Project. This project was an effort to produce an atom bomb in response to the Germans. On this day, Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the approval for the building of an atomic weapon. The Manhattan Project -
Manhattan is Chosen for Construction
President Roosevelt gives permission to the Manhattan Engineering District to build an atomic bomb, later giving the project the name "the Manhattan Project." Manhattan Project -
Leaders are Appointed
Colonel Leslie Groves is put in charge of the Manhattan Project. and Robert Oppenheimer is appointed as the Project's Scientific Director. Leslie Groves and Robert Oppenheimer -
Japan Becomes a Target
According to the Military Policy Committee of the Manhattan Project, Japan will be the primary target for any future atomic bomb that is created. History of the Manhattan Project -
The Trinity Test is Conducted
The Trinity Test The first atomic bomb, code-named "The Gadget" was tested in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The testing of the bomb was named the "Trinity Test." The bomb was an astonishing, frightening, and powerful success. Some felt that the Americans had become a danger to their own world, but others felt that the creation gave them the power to end the war. Five days later, President Truman (named president after Franklin D. Roosevelt died) oredered atomic bombs to be used on Japan. -
Atomic Bombs are Dropped in Japan
An atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima, Japan killing more than 90,000 people. Three days later, another bomb is dropped on Nagasaki killing 40,000 people. The destruction was more powerful than anticipated. The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
