-
Initiation of the Manhattan Project
US HistoryThe Manhattan Project, which was the American effort to build an atomic bomb, began when the US realized that Germany had already figured out technology to split a uranium atom. -
Goal of the Manhattan Project
US HistoryThe overall goal of the Manhattan Project was to protect the US from Nazi attack. The US figured that if both them and the Nazis have atomic bombs, the Nazis no longer have th eupper hand. -
Letter to the President
BritannicaIn the summer of 1939, Albert Einsten was persuaded to use his influence to present what the Nazis were doing to President Roosevelt. He sent a letter to the president explaining the situation and what needed to be done. -
Start of Research
BritannicaIn February of 1940, $6,000 was given to a committee under the supervision of L.J. Briggs, the director of the National Bureau of Standards. -
Change in Research
BritannicaIn late 1941, the Manhattan Project was put under the supervision of Vannevar Bush of the Office of Scientific Research and Development. -
Key Developments
WikipediaThe researchers were looking at three different techniques to separate the uranium-235. Researchers at the University of California at Berkley were looking at electromagnetic separation, researchers at Columbia University were looking at gaseous diffusion, and researchers at Cernegie Institution of Washington looked at thermal diffusion. All three of these greatly helped to develop the atom bomb. -
Location of Research
WikipediaIn late 1942, it was decided that the location for the research would be done in remote New Mexico. The site was near the Los Alamos Ranch School. They liked this site because of the natural beauty and views that would hopefully inspire those working on the project. The research was led by J. Robert Oppenheimer. -
The Trinity Test
HistoryAt 5:30 in the morning near the US Air Force base at Alamogordo, New mexico, the first test of America's atom bomb took place. The bomb worked very well, getting extremely hot, bright, and very loud. The nuclear age had begun. -
Ultimate Success
Over the course of time in which the bomb was developed, invaluable discoveries were made. That research created a weapon that we used to end World War 2 within a matter of days. The researchers not only met their expectations, they opened a whole new door in science and warfare.
