Revisionist History May the Best Firebomb Win
Jul 16, 2020
Dive into the bizarre world of wartime chemistry, where mad scientists concocted explosive innovations. Discover the humorous escapades of Louis Fieser at the National Defense Research Committee and the dramatic birth of napalm in unexpected settings. The podcast reveals a competitive 'bake-off' that led to groundbreaking incendiary devices. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by military strategists like Curtis LeMay and their controversial bombing tactics. Unexpected science meets dark history in this fascinating blend of innovation and warfare!
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Harvard Meeting
- In 1941, a meeting at Harvard University brought together prominent figures.
- These figures included university presidents, a Nobel Prize winner, and industry leaders to discuss the US's poor state of preparedness for war.
Chemists vs. Physicists
- Chemists focused on fire as a weapon, unlike physicists who focused on atomic bombs.
- Hoyt Hottel, a chemical engineer, led the NDRC's efforts in incendiary weapons research.
The Dark Horse
- Louis Fieser, a Harvard chemist, was a dark horse in the NDRC's firebomb competition.
- Fieser, known for his creativity, tested various incendiary devices in his basement lab.