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The Idea Behind the Atomic Bomb
WebsiteLeo Szilard, within seven months of the discovery of the neutron,and more than six years before the discovery of fission, conceived of the possibility of a controlled release of atomic power through a multiplying neutron chain reaction, and also realized that if such a reaction could be found, then a bomb could be built using it. -
Development of the Atomic Bomb
VideoWebsiteOn August 2, 1939, just before the beginning of World War II, Albert Einstein wrote to then President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Einstein and several other scientists told Roosevelt of efforts in Nazi Germany to purify uranium-235, which could be used to build an atomic bomb. The United States Government began the serious undertaking known then only as "The Manhattan Project." -
Authorization of the Manhattan Project
WebsiteThe day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt authorizes the Manhattan Engineering District with $2 billion to build the atom bomb. This decision made a huge impact on the race to the bomb, seeing as it got us started in the race. -
United States commitement to the Atomic Bomb
Websitethe United States Government committed $2 billion dollars to the Manhattan Project to build a secret bomb. At that time, only a few scientists around the globe believed it was theoretically possible. In four short years it became a reality and was a significant factor in bringing an end to World War II. -
Those responsible for the Atomic Bomb
Website Oppenheimer thought it would take 50 scientists. He started with 500 and in the end, had 5,000 involved. One of the biggest contributers was a man named General Leslie Groves, he was appointed director of the Manhattan Project. He was a heavy handed and forceful leader that drove the scientists crazy. -
The Plane is built that drops the bombs
WebsiteThe US Military begin remodeling the B-29 bomber for the delivery of the A-bomb. Bomb's sizes are decided: "Thin Man" representing Roosevelt and "Fat Boy" for Churchill. These bombs would go on to devastate the countries they were dropped on. -
Planning Operation Downfall
WebsiteIt was clear that Japan was weakening by the mid-1945. Due tothis, the allies gave american generals the task of planning Operation Downfall, or the invasion of Japan. The plan would have cost a massive toll in american lives lost. It was estimated 1.7-4 million americans would be killed. One of the main reasons the President signed off on the atomic bombs was because of the deatch toll for the americans this would cause. At this time, very few people knew about the atomic bombs existance. -
Testing the Atomic Bomb
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Physics behind the Atomic Bomb
Website It took the greatest scientific minds of the time working together to develop the bomb in such a short time. There were groups working on the structure and firing mechanisms while others worked on production of the fuel. The volume of U-235 used in the first atomic bombs could be held in your hands. The result was an explosion equivalent to 40,000 conventional bombs. -
Little Boy dropped on Hiroshima
WebsiteLittle Boy killed 90,000–166,000 in Hiroshima in the first 2-4 months and about half the deaths occured in the first day. Of those who died on the first day, 60% died from flash or flame burns, 30% from falling debris and 10% from other causes. during the following months many died of radiation sickness, burns, and other injuries. -
Fat Man dropped on Nagasaki
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Japan Surrenders
WebsiteIn the morning on September 2nd, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo bay, Japan officially surrendered. The ceremonies and surrender took less than half an hour. After 2 atomic bombs dropped on major cities in Japan, they decided to surrender.
