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
Long Expedition
Is this the site of the one of the most significant expeditions in the United States?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Modoc Basket
What tales does this basket weave of the heroism of an American-Indian woman?
-
Related Investigation
Lincoln Forgery
Could this piece of sheet music have come from Abraham Lincoln's private collection?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Survivor Camera
Did this antique camera save a Polish Jew during the Holocaust?
-
Related Investigation
Exercise Records
What role did these records play in the sculpting of america's fixation with fitness?
-
Also in Season 5
Lincoln Letter
Does this cryptic letter reveal Abraham Lincoln's secret strategy for winning political power?
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.