The Case:
A contributor in New York City has a scrapbook of typed and handwritten documents connected with the top-secret Manhattan Project, which developed the United States’ first nuclear bombs during World War II.
The most intriguing item is a letter dated just after the war. It’s a plea for reduced secrecy regarding nuclear affairs in the scientific community once hostilities had ended.
Did the scientists' letter help persuade President Harry S. Truman to change policy in the post war era?
History Detectives tracks down the authors of the documents, and explores the delicate balance between science, military power and democracy.
The Manhattan Project Declaration
This declaration emphasizes the need to control atomic weaponry and acknowledge its consequences. The scientists warn of the havoc that nuclear weapons could wreak if not handled with extreme care and consideration. See the pages of the statement below.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Red Cloud's Peace Pipe
Was this pipe given to an Indian agent by the famous Lakota warrior Chief Red Cloud?
-
Also in Post War: 1945-1960
Pop Lloyd Baseball Field
Why was this baseball field named after an African-American ballplayer in a time of racial tension?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Ernie Pyle's Typewriter
Did America’s most beloved battlefront correspondent bang out his dispatches on this Corona 3?
-
Also in Post War: 1945-1960
African American Comic Book
Did the makers of this 1950s comic book have more than romance on their minds?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Whaling Ship
Might a ship docked in Mystic Seaport, hold secrets to the Underground Railroad?
-
Also in Season 5
Lucy Parson's Book
Was the legendary anarchist the owner of this manifesto found in a library?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.