Garett Graff

Historian Garrett Graff, author of 'The Devil Reached Toward the Sky,' brings us deep insights into the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, discussing the lessons we still haven’t learned. He examines the Manhattan Project's moral complexities and shares poignant survivor stories, emphasizing the urgent need for nuclear disarmament. The conversation also draws unsettling parallels to today's political tensions, particularly the looming threats posed by current global conflicts, including the uneasy dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine situation.

Garrett Graff, a historian and author known for his works on D-Day and 9/11, dives deep into the harrowing events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He discusses the moral dilemmas faced by scientists involved in the atomic bomb's creation, and the complexities of President Truman's decision to use it. The need to remember the perspectives of WWII veterans is emphasized, highlighting how their firsthand accounts shape our understanding of history. Graff also stresses the importance of preserving these memories for future generations to learn from.

In this engaging discussion, Pulitzer Prize finalist Garrett Graff shares insights from his new oral history, featuring voices of scientists, survivors, and military officials surrounding the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. He details the urgency and collaboration of the Manhattan Project, revealing how young women in Tennessee played a vital role. Graff also reflects on the emotional toll of these events, the moral complexities involved, and the terrifying implications of nuclear weaponry in today's world. It’s a timely reminder of history’s weight.