...Research Paper: The Atomic Bomb Strayer University His 360: Twentieth Century World Research Paper: The Atomic Bomb March, 2011 Micheal McMillin Professor Curran Research Paper: Atomic Bomb: I. Executive Summary. On August Sixth and Ninth in 1945 the Japanese Island’s two cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed with a new type of weapon. The Atomic bomb created to end the Second World War, and to showcase The United States in becoming a Superpower. After the Atomic Bomb use it would affect the cities of Japan for years to come, but also the world leading to a new arms race that still affects us today. II. Essay How can one describe the power of the Atomic Bomb? With the power to bring two cities to its knees and kill thousands of people and affect people for years to come. The Atomic Bomb was used to bring Japan’s unconstitutional surrender. The used of this weapon is still under massive debate, even to this day. Was it ethical to use the Atomic Bomb not once, but twice on one nation? In using the Atomic Bomb on Japan it showed the world the deadly weapon the United States had created it. In the use of the Atomic Bomb we show the world and more importantly Russia what we developed. Now this Atomic age had begun as we enter the time known aa the Cold War. In the late 1930’s European and American physicists discovered how the fission of atoms could create a powerful an explosive weapon. In the year 1939 Albert Einstein would write a letter to President...
Words: 1567 - Pages: 7
...Making an understanding of the science behind the creation of the atomic bomb · An evaluation of Albert Einstein’s letter to President Roosevelt The first section of this investigation will deliver factual material from sources with accurate references. The next section is an evaluation...
Words: 2078 - Pages: 9
...the atomic bomb to gain a military advantage against Germany. Roosevelt wanted the U.S. to construct the atomic bomb first so that the U.S. could use it against Germany in hopes of getting them to surrender, but on May 8 Germany was defeated. The sole purpose of the Manhattan Project was to benefit the U.S. with power and use the bomb to get Germany to surrender, but now that Germany was defeated, concern rose among the scientists in the Metallurgical Laboratory at Chicago. The Chicago Scientists reasoned that since Germany was defeated there was no point in continuing with the construction of the atomic bomb. The scientists’ attitudes now towards...
Words: 659 - Pages: 3
...fled from fascist Europe and came to America. They came together and discussed their concerns of the possibility of a nuclear bomb. The Nazis had already begun research and had forced scientists to work on the project; they fled to ensure they didn’t become a part of it. They drafted a letter and sent it to President Roosevelt (The Manhattan Project). During this time, Fermi traveled to Chicago and set off the first nuclear reaction in a sports stadium. Roosevelt appointed General Leslie Groves to lead the project which was codenamed The Manhattan Project. The project was given a budget of $6,000, the final cost was more than $2 billion. Robert Oppenheimer joined The Manhattan Project in 1939. He was appointed scientific leader in 1942 and oversaw the construction of Los Alamos Laboratory in 1943. Los Alamos still operates as a national laboratory today. At the height of production at Los Alamos, Oppenheimer managed over 30,000 people. He was a...
Words: 565 - Pages: 3
...An atomic bomb is a weapon with great explosive power that results from the sudden release of energy upon the splitting, or fission, of the nuclei of such heavy elements as plutonium or uranium. (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2016) This catastrophic bomb was used twice during World War II. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped its first atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The bomb was known as "Little Boy", a uranium gun-type bomb that exploded with about thirteen kilotons of force. Three days after the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, a twenty one kiloton plutonium device known as "Fat Man.”(Atomic Heritage Foundation, 2012) This paper will discuss the creation and use of the first two atomic bombs. Early in 1939, German physicists had learned the secrets of splitting a uranium atom. Fears soon spread over the possibility of Nazi scientists utilizing that energy to produce a bomb capable of unspeakable destruction. Scientists Albert Einstein, who fled Nazi persecution, and Enrico Fermi, who escaped Fascist Italy, were now living in the United States. They agreed that President Franklin Roosevelt, must be informed of the dangers of atomic technology in the hands of the Axis powers. In late 1941, the American started to design and build an atomic bomb, which later received its code name, the Manhattan Project, which was named after one of the initial sites of research, Columbia University...
Words: 1203 - Pages: 5
...neutrons. As a result, the uranium nucleus splits some of its mass to be converted to energy. Other physicists noticed that the fission of one uranium atom gave off extra neutrons, which could in turn split other uranium atoms, starting a chain reaction. Therefore, in theory this energy could be harnessed to make a powerful bomb. Due to this, the development of the ultimate power took many scientists a lot of hard work and dedication to create such an effective bomb. First and foremost, there were problems with the political and social climate of the world that caused a race to unfold in the development of the ultimate weapon. During this period of time World War II was going on, and the United States was fighting with Germany in the Atlantic, as well as Japan in the Pacific. It all started when Adolf Hitler and the Nazis attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, in which the other countries had joined the war for help. As a result, when Leo Szilard heard that Germany had found out about Hahn and Strassman’s discovery he thought they would produce a bomb. Leo Szilard told them that they were attempting to purify Uranium-235, which would make up the atomic bomb. With that being said, he needed to get this valuable information to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the president of the United States at the time, but he did not know how to accomplish that. After some thinking he finally came to a conclusion and thought of Albert Einstein, and his connection with the United States. So, he went to...
Words: 1464 - Pages: 6
...“It was certainly sui generis—it was the first thing of just that kind.” J. Robert Oppenheimer, one of the scientists of the Manhattan Project, described the scientific importance of the discovery of the atomic bomb. Immediately after the droppings of the atomic bombs on Japan until the present day, there were many debates on whether the Manhattan Project was justified or if nuclear weapons are even ethical. Seeing the destruction of the “Little Man” and “Fat Boy” bombs in the moment arose great fear and discontent. However, looking at the Manhattan Project in retrospect shows that the advantages gained through the years greatly outweigh the consequences of the nuclear weapons. The Manhattan Project was a pivotal endeavor in America’s history...
Words: 1705 - Pages: 7
...The Atom Bomb. The first time this particular weapon was used for warfare was during World War II when the United States bombed both Hiroshima and Nagasaki just days apart in August 1945. Where did this monstrosity originate? Via the “Manhattan Project”.The Manhattan Project was a combination of the United States’ financial, scientific, industrial, and technological might to produce the ultimate weapon...The Atom Bomb. [ae] “The Manhattan Project was committed to expediting research that would produce a viable Atomic Bomb.” The first and most difficult step towards the creation of the “A bomb” was the production of “enriched” uranium- to create a chain reaction. Back then, extracting that kind...
Words: 1329 - Pages: 6
...significant turning point for the United States in World War II. The rumors of the creation of an atomic bomb put the Allies on edge; each wanting to be the first to create such a destructive technology. The reason behind why the US chose to execute this project, the processes and events that took place, and the subsequent effects of the project depict the importance of this major US event. To fully understand the importance of the Manhattan Project, it is first imperative to understand the reasoning behind why the United States chose to pursue the project. In 1939, Allied scientists had fears that Nazi Germany might develop nuclear weapons (The Manhattan Project). At this point in the War, Hitler was at his most powerful. He had one of the largest followings in history and his reign was producing devastating outcomes for the Jewish population (The Manhattan Project). Once the scientific community discovered that German physicists could split a uranium atom, action needed to be taken (The Manhattan Project). Albert Einstein, who fled Nazi Germany to live in the US, felt as though President Roosevelt should be made aware of the dangers of atomic technology being in the hands of Hitler (Ushistory). A letter written by Einstein was received by Roosevelt, yet the President found no reason to immediately respond to such a situation (Ushistory). However, 1941 began the American effort to construct an atomic bomb (The Manhattan Project). Initially, Roosevelt set up the Advisory Committee...
Words: 2298 - Pages: 10
...the Manhattan project and how did it evolve? How was the decision made to drop the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and how did the bombing end the war? (be specific and complete) Essay – The Manhattan project was central to the United States efforts in constructing a nuclear bomb during the Second World War. Motivated by the fear of an enemy attack from the Nazi’s, the United States was able to develop the world’s most devastating bombs, which would end up killing more than 200,000 Japanese citizens in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In this way, the Manhattan project essentially grew out of America’s efforts to defend themselves against a potential Nazi attack. Hungarian scientist Leo Szilard, after escaping to America, realized that if the Nazis acquired the works recently conducted on nuclear fission, they might be able to construct a nuclear bomb and dominate the world with its destruction. He then convinced Albert Einstein of the impending Nazi threat and Einstein took the initiative to alert the United States by writing a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the letter sent in August 1939, right before the start of the war, Einstein advised that the United States be wary of the threat of nuclear weaponry in the hands of the enemy and that they should begin a weapons building program of their own. A very small committee was established to look into the science and development of a bomb, funded by a mere $6,000. President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized ten million...
Words: 2270 - Pages: 10
...become so dangerous because there is a lack morals and ethics. Knowledge has lead to many amazing and helpful creations such as medicines, cars, cellular devices, and more. However there is a darker side to what has been birthed from our lust of knowledge. The atomic bomb was more dangerous than anything else during its time of creation. The first ever atomic bomb was successfully detonated on July 16, 1945. “On July 16, 1945, at TRINITY SITE near ALAMOGORDO, NEW MEXICO, scientists of the Manhattan Project readied themselves to watch the detonation of the world's first atomic bomb.” (ushistory.org). during the development of this weapon the scientist began to have doubts on whether it was safe to use, or not. “The Trinity experiment might inadvertently turn the entire planet into a chain-reaction fusion bomb.” (Chet Raymo). They also agreed that the president would need to be informed of this tremendously powerful weapon. “They agreed that the President must be informed of the dangers of atomic technology in the hands of the Axis powers.” (ushistory.org). The researchers came to the conclusion that it would be impossible for the atmosphere to be lit ablaze form this bomb. ”Oppenheimer asked Hans Bethe and other physicists to check their calculations of the ignition temperature of nitrogen and the cooling effects expected in the fireball of a nuclear bomb. The new calculations indicated that an atmospheric conflagration was impossible.” (Chet Raymo). With this being known...
Words: 1856 - Pages: 8
...forgot to reapply for Langan’s second semester financial aid, he had no other choice but to drop out of college. This deprivation of college education resulted in the lack of formal success. On the other hand, Robert Oppenheimer “was raised in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Manhattan, the son of an artist and a successful garment manufacturer. His childhood was the embodiment of concerted cultivation” (Gladwell 108). Without any complications from his family, Oppenheimer attended Cambridge University, but “grew more and more emotionally unstable” (Gladwell 98) as he was battling depression. At one point, he attempted to poison his tutor with some chemicals; but he was only put probation. Even with his notoriety, Oppenheimer was still able to secure a job with the Manhattan Project where he was in charge of atomic-bomb effort. Clearly, family background had a huge effect on the outcome of each man’s life. With a more privileged childhood Oppenheimer “possessed the kind of savvy that allowed him to get what he wanted from the world” (Gladwell 100). Children from higher class families have more practical intelligence, meaning "‘knowing what to say to whom, knowing when to say it, and knowing how to say it for maximum effect’" (Gladwell 101). Unlike Oppenheimer, Langan, with a lower-class upbringing never learned this skill. “It may seem like a small thing, but it was a crippling handicap in navigating the world beyond Bozeman [Langan’s stepfather]” (Gladwell 110). With the...
Words: 1280 - Pages: 6
...History of the A-Bomb In early August 1945 atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These two bombs quickly yielded the surrender of Japan and the end of American involvement in World War II. By 1946 the two bombs caused the death of perhaps as many as 240,000 Japanese citizens1. The popular, or traditional, view that dominated the 1950s and 60s – put forth by President Harry Truman and Secretary of War Henry Stimson – was that the dropping of the bomb was a diplomatic maneuver aimed at intimating and gaining the upper hand in relations with Russia. Today, fifty-four years after the two bombings, with the advantage of historical hindsight and the advantage of new evidence, a third view, free of obscuring bias and passion, can be presented. First, the dropping of the bomb was born out of complex infinite military, domestic and diplomatic pressures and concerns. Second, many potentially viable alternatives to dropping the bombs were not explored by Truman and other men in power, as they probably should have been. Lastly, because these alternatives were never explored, we can only conjecture over whether or not Truman’s decision was a morally just one, and if indeed it was necessary to use atomic energy to win the war. The war in Asia had its roots in the early 1930s. Japan had expansionist aims in Eastern Asia and the Western Pacific, especially in Indochina2. In July of 1940 the United States placed an embargo on materials exported to...
Words: 3510 - Pages: 15
...Vannevar Bush (/væˈniːvɑr/ van-NEE-var; March 11, 1890 – June 28, 1974) was an American engineer, inventor and science administrator, who during World War II headed the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD), through which almost all wartime military R&D was carried out, including initiation and early administration of the Manhattan Project. He is also known in engineering for his work on analog computers, for founding Raytheon, and for the memex, a hypothetical adjustable microfilm viewer with a structure analogous to that of hypertext. In 1945, Bush published As We May Think in which he predicted that "wholly new forms of encyclopedias will appear, ready made with a mesh of associative trails running through them, ready to be dropped into the memex and there amplified".[1] The memex influenced generations of computer scientists, who drew inspiration from its vision of the future. For his master's thesis, Bush invented and patented a "profile tracer", a mapping device for assisting surveyors. It was the first of a string of inventions. He joined the Department of Electrical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1919, and founded the company now known as Raytheon in 1922. Starting in 1927, Bush constructed a differential analyzer, an analog computer with some digital components that could solve differential equations with as many as 18 independent variables. An offshoot of the work at MIT by Bush and others was the beginning of digital...
Words: 7234 - Pages: 29
...Arturo Alcaraz (Philippines) - Instrumental in a team of scientists, who in 1967 were able to harness steam from a volcano resulting in the production of electricity. Diosdado Banatao (Philippines) - Improved computer performance throughthe development of accelerator chips, helping to make the Internet a reality. Marie Curie (Poland) - Winner of two Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physicsfor her studies into Radioactivity and her discoveries of Radium and Polonium. Paul Dirac (England) - An important contributor in the fields of QuantumMechanics and Electro Dynamics, Dirac was co-winner of the Nobel Prize inPhysics (1933). Albert Einstein (Germany) - Arguably needing no introduction, the most famous scientist that lived and a name that has become synonymous in popular culture with the highest intelligence. Enrico Fermi (Italy) - Heavily involved in the development of the world's first nuclear reactor and his work in induced radioactivity saw him awarded with the 1938 Nobel Prize in Physics. Vitaly Ginzburg (Russia) - One of three recipients of the 2003 Nobel inPhysics for their pioneering work in the theory of superconductors and superfluids. Christiaan Huygens (Netherlands) - Most well known for his wave theory of light, Huygens is credited with discovering the first of Saturn's moons. Werner Israel (Canada) - In 1990 Israel co-pioneered a study on black hole interiors. Ali Javan (Iran) - Born in Tehran, Ali Javan is listed as one of the top 100 living...
Words: 10739 - Pages: 43
