Unraveling the Manhattan Project

This chapter explores the origins and evolution of the Manhattan Project, highlighting the pivotal 1939 letter that ignited U.S. government interest in atomic bomb development. It emphasizes the collaborative environment fostered by a diaspora of brilliant scientists and examines the complexities of decision-making amid high stakes, including the necessity of risk-taking. The discussion also contrasts the potential benefits of nuclear energy with its moral implications, revealing a nuanced perspective on its role in America’s power generation.