All language subtitles for Modern Marvels_ Oppenheimer & the Birth of the Atomic Bomb (S8, E25) _ Full Episode [English]

NARRATOR: To make
peace, scientists built

the ultimate weapon of war.

the ultimate weapon of war.

To fight fascism, they
unleashed the power of the atom.

To fight fascism, they
unleashed the power of the atom.

Theoretical brilliance and
engineering grit gave birth

Theoretical brilliance and
engineering grit gave birth

Theoretical brilliance and
engineering grit gave birth

to an ethical nightmare--

to an ethical nightmare--

the atom bomb.

Now, the Manhattan Project
on "Modern Marvels"--

Now, the Manhattan Project
on "Modern Marvels"--

Now, the Manhattan Project
on "Modern Marvels"--

At 5:30 AM, July 16, 1945,
scientists and dignitaries

At 5:30 AM, July 16, 1945,
scientists and dignitaries

awaited the detonation
of the first atomic bomb

awaited the detonation
of the first atomic bomb

in a desolate area of the
New Mexico desert known aptly

in a desolate area of the
New Mexico desert known aptly

in a desolate area of the
New Mexico desert known aptly

as Jornada Del Muerto,
or Journey of Death.

as Jornada Del Muerto,
or Journey of Death.

They had taken bets on how
much power their creation might

They had taken bets on how
much power their creation might

They had taken bets on how
much power their creation might

unleash, but many wondered
whether the weapon would work

unleash, but many wondered
whether the weapon would work

at all.

at all.

There was, however,
one certainty--

There was, however,
one certainty--

if the atomic bomb
detonated, the world

if the atomic bomb
detonated, the world

would never be the same.

would never be the same.

This story is the great
tragic epic of the 20th century.

This story is the great
tragic epic of the 20th century.

This story is the great
tragic epic of the 20th century.

If I were going to
give it a theme,

If I were going to
give it a theme,

the theme would be
humankind invents the means

the theme would be
humankind invents the means

of its own destruction.

NARRATOR: And in order to do
so, scientists, engineers,

NARRATOR: And in order to do
so, scientists, engineers,

NARRATOR: And in order to do
so, scientists, engineers,

and the Army teamed up in an
effort dubbed the Manhattan

and the Army teamed up in an
effort dubbed the Manhattan

Project.

In the short span
of two years, they

In the short span
of two years, they

built an industrial
complex with sites

built an industrial
complex with sites

across the country that
would rival the size

across the country that
would rival the size

across the country that
would rival the size

of the automotive industry.

of the automotive industry.

of the automotive industry.

To manufacture
fuel for the bomb,

To manufacture
fuel for the bomb,

they built the fifth largest
town in the state of Tennessee

they built the fifth largest
town in the state of Tennessee

they built the fifth largest
town in the state of Tennessee

that consumed 1/10 of the
electrical power generated

that consumed 1/10 of the
electrical power generated

that consumed 1/10 of the
electrical power generated

in the United States.

in the United States.

The bomb builders spent
well over $2 billion,

The bomb builders spent
well over $2 billion,

The bomb builders spent
well over $2 billion,

almost $30 billion
in today's market

almost $30 billion
in today's market

to detonate the first
man-made atomic explosion,

to detonate the first
man-made atomic explosion,

to detonate the first
man-made atomic explosion,

just 28 months after
scientists set foot in a lab

just 28 months after
scientists set foot in a lab

at the Manhattan Project's Los
Alamos, New Mexico facility.

at the Manhattan Project's Los
Alamos, New Mexico facility.

at the Manhattan Project's Los
Alamos, New Mexico facility.

Nonetheless, that July morning
in 1945, many of the world's

Nonetheless, that July morning
in 1945, many of the world's

Nonetheless, that July morning
in 1945, many of the world's

Nonetheless, that July morning
in 1945, many of the world's

top physicists watched
anxiously at the test site

top physicists watched
anxiously at the test site

200 miles south of
Los Alamos awaiting

200 miles south of
Los Alamos awaiting

the results of their labors.

the results of their labors.

MAN (OVER INTERCOM):
5, 4, 3, 2--

MAN (OVER INTERCOM):
5, 4, 3, 2--

NARRATOR: But this countdown had
really begun 12 years before,

NARRATOR: But this countdown had
really begun 12 years before,

when many of these scientists
escaped the coming of fascism

when many of these scientists
escaped the coming of fascism

to Europe.

to Europe.

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: Once
Hitler took power in 1933,

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: Once
Hitler took power in 1933,

the Jews of Europe--

the Jews of Europe--

especially the Jews of Germany--
were under a direct threat.

especially the Jews of Germany--
were under a direct threat.

especially the Jews of Germany--
were under a direct threat.

And some of the best
scientists in the country

And some of the best
scientists in the country

And some of the best
scientists in the country

happened to be Jewish.

happened to be Jewish.

[inaudible] was one.

[inaudible] was one.

Edward Teller was one.

Leo Szilard was one.

Leo Szilard was one.

Einstein was one.

Einstein was one.

NARRATOR: And one by
one, they fled Europe

to the United States.

to the United States.

Scientists found refuge
at American universities.

Scientists found refuge
at American universities.

Scientists found refuge
at American universities.

In 1938, dramatic news
arrived from Germany.

In 1938, dramatic news
arrived from Germany.

In 1938, dramatic news
arrived from Germany.

In 1938, dramatic news
arrived from Germany.

German scientists had split
the atom by bombarding uranium

German scientists had split
the atom by bombarding uranium

with neutrons, which caused
instability in the uranium

with neutrons, which caused
instability in the uranium

nucleus.

nucleus.

During the split, mass
was lost and was converted

During the split, mass
was lost and was converted

into kinetic energy.

into kinetic energy.

They had discovered
fission, and with it, opened

They had discovered
fission, and with it, opened

They had discovered
fission, and with it, opened

a Pandora's box.

If each of those neutrons goes
into another uranium nucleus

If each of those neutrons goes
into another uranium nucleus

If each of those neutrons goes
into another uranium nucleus

and causes fission,
then the first fission

and causes fission,
then the first fission

has led to more
than two fissions

has led to more
than two fissions

in the next generation.

in the next generation.

And you can see that each
successive generation has

And you can see that each
successive generation has

many more neutrons, and this
causes an explosive chain

many more neutrons, and this
causes an explosive chain

reaction.

reaction.

NARRATOR: If two masses of
highly fissionable uranium

NARRATOR: If two masses of
highly fissionable uranium

in the form of a
sphere and a plug

in the form of a
sphere and a plug

could be brought together with
sufficient speed inside a bomb,

could be brought together with
sufficient speed inside a bomb,

could be brought together with
sufficient speed inside a bomb,

an exponentially
increasing chain reaction

an exponentially
increasing chain reaction

an exponentially
increasing chain reaction

with explosive
force would result.

with explosive
force would result.

with explosive
force would result.

The implications
of the discovery

The implications
of the discovery

of the fission of uranium
would be obvious to scientists

of the fission of uranium
would be obvious to scientists

in Nazi Germany, and this
frightened Leo Szilard,

in Nazi Germany, and this
frightened Leo Szilard,

a 40-year-old emigre
physicist from Hungary.

a 40-year-old emigre
physicist from Hungary.

Politically astute,
Szilard wanted

to warn President Roosevelt, but
knew that he lacked the stature

to warn President Roosevelt, but
knew that he lacked the stature

to warn President Roosevelt, but
knew that he lacked the stature

to do so.

RICHARD RHODES: Imagine men
with heavy foreign accents

RICHARD RHODES: Imagine men
with heavy foreign accents

RICHARD RHODES: Imagine men
with heavy foreign accents

say they have figured out a
way to make a bomb, no bigger

say they have figured out a
way to make a bomb, no bigger

than an ordinary bomb,
that could blow up a city.

than an ordinary bomb,
that could blow up a city.

than an ordinary bomb,
that could blow up a city.

than an ordinary bomb,
that could blow up a city.

You might well think
they were crackpots

and throw them out
of your office.

and throw them out
of your office.

NARRATOR: Szilard wrote
a letter to the president

NARRATOR: Szilard wrote
a letter to the president

and sought a prominent ally
to sign it, Albert Einstein.

and sought a prominent ally
to sign it, Albert Einstein.

and sought a prominent ally
to sign it, Albert Einstein.

Szilard, who didn't drive a car,
enlisted the help of his friend

Szilard, who didn't drive a car,
enlisted the help of his friend

Szilard, who didn't drive a car,
enlisted the help of his friend

Edward Teller, an eminent
theoretical physicist,

Edward Teller, an eminent
theoretical physicist,

to drive him to Einstein's
summer house on Long Island.

to drive him to Einstein's
summer house on Long Island.

to drive him to Einstein's
summer house on Long Island.

Einstein read [non-english],,
asked a few questions about it,

Einstein read [non-english],,
asked a few questions about it,

Einstein read [non-english],,
asked a few questions about it,

Einstein read [non-english],,
asked a few questions about it,

Einstein read [non-english],,
asked a few questions about it,

and then said, yes,
yes, and signed it.

and then said, yes,
yes, and signed it.

NARRATOR: On October 11,
1939, in response to Einstein

NARRATOR: On October 11,
1939, in response to Einstein

NARRATOR: On October 11,
1939, in response to Einstein

and Szilard's letter of
warning, President Roosevelt

and Szilard's letter of
warning, President Roosevelt

formed the Advisory
Committee on Uranium.

formed the Advisory
Committee on Uranium.

But this abstract new
discovery became a low priority

But this abstract new
discovery became a low priority

But this abstract new
discovery became a low priority

for a leadership distracted
by a World War that was now

for a leadership distracted
by a World War that was now

two months old.

A recent refugee of that war,
37-year-old physicist Enrico

A recent refugee of that war,
37-year-old physicist Enrico

A recent refugee of that war,
37-year-old physicist Enrico

Fermi, narrowly escaped
with his Jewish wife, Laura.

Fermi, narrowly escaped
with his Jewish wife, Laura.

RACHEL FERMI: They used the
opportunity of going to Sweden

RACHEL FERMI: They used the
opportunity of going to Sweden

to collect the Nobel
Prize to take--

to collect the Nobel
Prize to take--

to go from there and then
go on to the United States.

to go from there and then
go on to the United States.

to go from there and then
go on to the United States.

So the fascist authorities
in Italy at that time

So the fascist authorities
in Italy at that time

didn't know that they
were actually not going

didn't know that they
were actually not going

to be returning to Italy.

to be returning to Italy.

NARRATOR: Together with
Leo Szilard at Columbia,

NARRATOR: Together with
Leo Szilard at Columbia,

Fermi tackled the first
obstacle to the bomb--

Fermi tackled the first
obstacle to the bomb--

the question of whether or
not a sustained chain reaction

the question of whether or
not a sustained chain reaction

the question of whether or
not a sustained chain reaction

could be induced in
a uranium reactor.

could be induced in
a uranium reactor.

Without the successively
doubling power of the chain

Without the successively
doubling power of the chain

Without the successively
doubling power of the chain

Without the successively
doubling power of the chain

reaction, a bomb would
be an impossibility.

reaction, a bomb would
be an impossibility.

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: Fermi was
one of the few scientists who

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: Fermi was
one of the few scientists who

was talented both in
theory and in practice.

was talented both in
theory and in practice.

was talented both in
theory and in practice.

He loved getting
his hands dirty.

He loved getting
his hands dirty.

Leo Szilard was the
antithesis of Enrico Fermi.

Leo Szilard was the
antithesis of Enrico Fermi.

Leo Szilard was the
antithesis of Enrico Fermi.

Szilard usually slept late.

He soaked in the bathtub
to get fresh ideas.

He soaked in the bathtub
to get fresh ideas.

NARRATOR: While in
the bathtub, Szilard

NARRATOR: While in
the bathtub, Szilard

remained focused on the
competition, the German bomb

remained focused on the
competition, the German bomb

remained focused on the
competition, the German bomb

effort.

He convinced scientists in the
US, whose community thrived

He convinced scientists in the
US, whose community thrived

He convinced scientists in the
US, whose community thrived

on openness, to censor their own
papers so that they would not

on openness, to censor their own
papers so that they would not

inadvertently help the Germans.

inadvertently help the Germans.

As the US bomb effort was taking
its first tentative steps,

As the US bomb effort was taking
its first tentative steps,

As the US bomb effort was taking
its first tentative steps,

news that the Kaiser
Wilhelm Institute in Berlin

news that the Kaiser
Wilhelm Institute in Berlin

news that the Kaiser
Wilhelm Institute in Berlin

had begun actively
pursuing uranium research

had begun actively
pursuing uranium research

rippled through the American
scientific community.

rippled through the American
scientific community.

It would take nothing short of
a disaster to move the president

It would take nothing short of
a disaster to move the president

It would take nothing short of
a disaster to move the president

It would take nothing short of
a disaster to move the president

to take decisive action, and
a disaster was not far off.

to take decisive action, and
a disaster was not far off.

to take decisive action, and
a disaster was not far off.

Prior to 1933, Germany produced
the most Nobel laureate

Prior to 1933, Germany produced
the most Nobel laureate

Prior to 1933, Germany produced
the most Nobel laureate

Prior to 1933, Germany produced
the most Nobel laureate

scientists.

After that date, scientists
in the United States

After that date, scientists
in the United States

received the most honors.

received the most honors.

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

On December 7, 1941, the
Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor,

On December 7, 1941, the
Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor,

sinking 19 US Naval vessels
and killing more than 2,000

sinking 19 US Naval vessels
and killing more than 2,000

soldiers.

soldiers.

--matter how long
it may take us--

--matter how long
it may take us--

NARRATOR: The next day the
US declared war on Japan.

NARRATOR: The next day the
US declared war on Japan.

World War II was no
longer just Europe's war.

World War II was no
longer just Europe's war.

World War II was no
longer just Europe's war.

--righteous might will win
through to absolute victory.

[cheers]

[cheers]

NARRATOR: America's
entry into the war

NARRATOR: America's
entry into the war

had a galvanizing effect on its
moribund atomic bomb effort.

had a galvanizing effect on its
moribund atomic bomb effort.

had a galvanizing effect on its
moribund atomic bomb effort.

had a galvanizing effect on its
moribund atomic bomb effort.

President Roosevelt approved
production of the weapon

President Roosevelt approved
production of the weapon

and turned the nuclear
program over to the Army.

and turned the nuclear
program over to the Army.

Brigadier General Leslie R
Groves, an expert engineer

Brigadier General Leslie R
Groves, an expert engineer

Brigadier General Leslie R
Groves, an expert engineer

and administrator, was placed
at the head of the Manhattan

and administrator, was placed
at the head of the Manhattan

engineer district, named
after the project's

engineer district, named
after the project's

engineer district, named
after the project's

initial headquarters
in New York City.

initial headquarters
in New York City.

RICHARD RHODES: General
Groves, having just

RICHARD RHODES: General
Groves, having just

RICHARD RHODES: General
Groves, having just

finished building the
Pentagon, was absolutely

finished building the
Pentagon, was absolutely

disgusted to be assigned
to the Manhattan Project,

disgusted to be assigned
to the Manhattan Project,

as it came to be called.

as it came to be called.

He was sure it was a boondoggle.

He was sure it was a boondoggle.

He was sure you could
never do such a thing.

He was sure you could
never do such a thing.

NARRATOR: But at the
University of Chicago,

NARRATOR: But at the
University of Chicago,

Szilard and Fermi were
taking the first steps

Szilard and Fermi were
taking the first steps

in proving Groves wrong.

in proving Groves wrong.

They were trying to demonstrate
that the fission process could

They were trying to demonstrate
that the fission process could

They were trying to demonstrate
that the fission process could

be harnessed by launching
a sustained chain

be harnessed by launching
a sustained chain

reaction in uranium.

reaction in uranium.

They built the first primitive
reactor in a squash court

They built the first primitive
reactor in a squash court

They built the first primitive
reactor in a squash court

beneath the stands of the
university's football stadium.

beneath the stands of the
university's football stadium.

The reactor consisted of a pile
in which efficient reaction

The reactor consisted of a pile
in which efficient reaction

The reactor consisted of a pile
in which efficient reaction

could be initiated
and controlled.

could be initiated
and controlled.

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: They did it
by piling layers of graphite

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: They did it
by piling layers of graphite

and then embedding
balls of uranium

and then embedding
balls of uranium

so that, when the neutrons
started flying through,

so that, when the neutrons
started flying through,

they would be slowed
by the graphite,

they would be slowed
by the graphite,

collide with the uranium,
release more neutrons,

collide with the uranium,
release more neutrons,

and those neutrons would
continue in the chain reaction

and those neutrons would
continue in the chain reaction

and those neutrons would
continue in the chain reaction

pattern.

NARRATOR: This
momentous achievement

NARRATOR: This
momentous achievement

only detectable by
a Geiger counter

only detectable by
a Geiger counter

meant that the fission
process could be sustained.

meant that the fission
process could be sustained.

meant that the fission
process could be sustained.

Nuclear energy could be
released in a controlled way,

Nuclear energy could be
released in a controlled way,

as in a reactor--

as in a reactor--

or perhaps, cataclysmically,
as in a bomb.

or perhaps, cataclysmically,
as in a bomb.

ALVIN WEINBERG: It was so
crazy that you could put

ALVIN WEINBERG: It was so
crazy that you could put

ALVIN WEINBERG: It was so
crazy that you could put

a bunch of uranium
together with graphite,

a bunch of uranium
together with graphite,

and the thing would
spring to life.

and the thing would
spring to life.

NARRATOR: The bomb effort
went into high gear.

NARRATOR: The bomb effort
went into high gear.

Its first priority was the
lack of weapons-grade fuel.

Its first priority was the
lack of weapons-grade fuel.

Its first priority was the
lack of weapons-grade fuel.

Fission is more readily produced
in a rare uranium isotope--

Fission is more readily produced
in a rare uranium isotope--

Fission is more readily produced
in a rare uranium isotope--

uranium-235-- that
occurs naturally

uranium-235-- that
occurs naturally

uranium-235-- that
occurs naturally

at a ratio of 1 to 1.39 to its
less useful twin, uranium-238.

at a ratio of 1 to 1.39 to its
less useful twin, uranium-238.

Chemically identical,
the isotopes

Chemically identical,
the isotopes

were almost impossible
to separate.

were almost impossible
to separate.

The only workable method in 1942
was electromagnetic separation.

The only workable method in 1942
was electromagnetic separation.

The only workable method in 1942
was electromagnetic separation.

In this process, a
mass spectrometer

In this process, a
mass spectrometer

used for separating
electrically charged particles

used for separating
electrically charged particles

according to their mass sent
a stream of uranium atoms

according to their mass sent
a stream of uranium atoms

past a magnet.

Atoms of the lighter
isotope, U235,

Atoms of the lighter
isotope, U235,

would be deflected more than
those of the heavier U238,

would be deflected more than
those of the heavier U238,

would be deflected more than
those of the heavier U238,

and would be captured
one atom at a time.

and would be captured
one atom at a time.

Scientists at
Columbia University

Scientists at
Columbia University

championed a competing mode of
separation, gaseous diffusion.

championed a competing mode of
separation, gaseous diffusion.

championed a competing mode of
separation, gaseous diffusion.

championed a competing mode of
separation, gaseous diffusion.

This method past the isotope
through a porous barrier that

This method past the isotope
through a porous barrier that

This method past the isotope
through a porous barrier that

separated the lighter isotope
from its heavier counterpart.

separated the lighter isotope
from its heavier counterpart.

separated the lighter isotope
from its heavier counterpart.

But it proved to be
technically challenging.

But it proved to be
technically challenging.

WILLIAM J. WILCOX: In a square
centimeter, about the size

WILLIAM J. WILCOX: In a square
centimeter, about the size

of a thumbnail, you've got
to have hundreds of millions

of a thumbnail, you've got
to have hundreds of millions

of a thumbnail, you've got
to have hundreds of millions

of pores, and they have
to all be the same size.

of pores, and they have
to all be the same size.

If they're too big, the
gas flows through it

If they're too big, the
gas flows through it

without any separation.

without any separation.

If they're too small,
the gas gets in there

If they're too small,
the gas gets in there

If they're too small,
the gas gets in there

and condenses on the surface--

and condenses on the surface--

won't go through.

So you talk about obstacles--

So you talk about obstacles--

NARRATOR: But if a suitable
barrier could be manufactured,

NARRATOR: But if a suitable
barrier could be manufactured,

NARRATOR: But if a suitable
barrier could be manufactured,

it promised a greater yield than
the electromagnetic process.

it promised a greater yield than
the electromagnetic process.

Both techniques would have to
be done on a massive scale,

Both techniques would have to
be done on a massive scale,

Both techniques would have to
be done on a massive scale,

and would prove
extremely costly.

and would prove
extremely costly.

And if they worked,
they would provide fuel

And if they worked,
they would provide fuel

for a bomb that
would be designed

in a remote area of New Mexico.

in a remote area of New Mexico.

Groves selected a bomb design
site in Los Alamos, an isolated

Groves selected a bomb design
site in Los Alamos, an isolated

Groves selected a bomb design
site in Los Alamos, an isolated

Groves selected a bomb design
site in Los Alamos, an isolated

Groves selected a bomb design
site in Los Alamos, an isolated

location in the mountains at
an elevation of 7,000 feet,

location in the mountains at
an elevation of 7,000 feet,

and accessible by only one road.

and accessible by only one road.

ELLEN BRADBURY: General Groves
wanted it to be inland, too far

ELLEN BRADBURY: General Groves
wanted it to be inland, too far

ELLEN BRADBURY: General Groves
wanted it to be inland, too far

for enemy planes or submarines.

He wanted it to be beautiful,
where he said he could keep

He wanted it to be beautiful,
where he said he could keep

He wanted it to be beautiful,
where he said he could keep

a bunch of prima donnas amused.

a bunch of prima donnas amused.

NARRATOR: In November of 1942,
the Army purchased 54,000 acres

NARRATOR: In November of 1942,
the Army purchased 54,000 acres

for $440,000 under the guise
of using them as a demolition

for $440,000 under the guise
of using them as a demolition

for $440,000 under the guise
of using them as a demolition

range.

To head up the installation,
Groves, an expert judge of men,

To head up the installation,
Groves, an expert judge of men,

To head up the installation,
Groves, an expert judge of men,

chose a most
unlikely candidate--

chose a most
unlikely candidate--

J Robert Oppenheimer.

J Robert Oppenheimer.

A gifted physics
professor, Oppenheimer

A gifted physics
professor, Oppenheimer

had a reputation for
being temperamental,

had a reputation for
being temperamental,

perhaps not suited to a
highly stressful assignment.

perhaps not suited to a
highly stressful assignment.

perhaps not suited to a
highly stressful assignment.

GREGG HERKEN: Groves was
advised that Oppenheimer would

GREGG HERKEN: Groves was
advised that Oppenheimer would

be a disaster.

be a disaster.

People told him that Oppenheimer
couldn't run a hot dog stand.

People told him that Oppenheimer
couldn't run a hot dog stand.

RICHARD RHODES: Oppenheimer was
a fascinating and complicated

RICHARD RHODES: Oppenheimer was
a fascinating and complicated

RICHARD RHODES: Oppenheimer was
a fascinating and complicated

man.

Fundamentally, he
seems to have had some

Fundamentally, he
seems to have had some

of the qualities of an actor.

of the qualities of an actor.

He was different things
to different people.

He was different things
to different people.

NARRATOR: Oppenheimer drew
luminaries like Enrico Fermi,

NARRATOR: Oppenheimer drew
luminaries like Enrico Fermi,

NARRATOR: Oppenheimer drew
luminaries like Enrico Fermi,

Hans [inaudible],, and Edward
Teller to the facility,

Hans [inaudible],, and Edward
Teller to the facility,

as well as technicians
fresh out of college.

as well as technicians
fresh out of college.

as well as technicians
fresh out of college.

Laboratory personnel grew from
250 in 1943 to 2,500 in 1945.

Laboratory personnel grew from
250 in 1943 to 2,500 in 1945.

Laboratory personnel grew from
250 in 1943 to 2,500 in 1945.

Laboratory personnel grew from
250 in 1943 to 2,500 in 1945.

Laboratory personnel grew from
250 in 1943 to 2,500 in 1945.

RICHARD RHODES: There
were lots of babies born.

RICHARD RHODES: There
were lots of babies born.

General Groves at one
point asked Oppenheimer

General Groves at one
point asked Oppenheimer

if he couldn't do
something about that.

if he couldn't do
something about that.

if he couldn't do
something about that.

He said he didn't think so.

The one place that they
had to keep expanding

The one place that they
had to keep expanding

was the maternity
ward at the hospital.

was the maternity
ward at the hospital.

NARRATOR: During
the fall of 1942,

NARRATOR: During
the fall of 1942,

the theoretical
physicists at Los Alamos

the theoretical
physicists at Los Alamos

began the difficult
process of trying

began the difficult
process of trying

to determine how much U235
it would take to make a bomb.

to determine how much U235
it would take to make a bomb.

to determine how much U235
it would take to make a bomb.

ROBERT NORRIS: And the
scientists tell him, well,

ROBERT NORRIS: And the
scientists tell him, well,

it could be X amount, but that's
a plus or minus by a factor

it could be X amount, but that's
a plus or minus by a factor

it could be X amount, but that's
a plus or minus by a factor

of 10.

Groves is absolutely staggered.

He uses the illustration that,
well, you're giving a wedding

He uses the illustration that,
well, you're giving a wedding

He uses the illustration that,
well, you're giving a wedding

and you say it's for 100
people, but maybe 1,000

and you say it's for 100
people, but maybe 1,000

will turn up or maybe 10.

will turn up or maybe 10.

So how can you make any sort
of plans with that range?

So how can you make any sort
of plans with that range?

So how can you make any sort
of plans with that range?

NARRATOR: This kind of
uncertainty only served

NARRATOR: This kind of
uncertainty only served

to fuel fears that the Nazis
might be closer to building

to fuel fears that the Nazis
might be closer to building

to fuel fears that the Nazis
might be closer to building

a bomb.

In early fall of 1942, General
Groves purchased 59,000 acres

In early fall of 1942, General
Groves purchased 59,000 acres

In early fall of 1942, General
Groves purchased 59,000 acres

in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

This would become the main
site for uranium production

This would become the main
site for uranium production

in the United States.

in the United States.

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

On December 28, 1942,
President Roosevelt

approved an additional
$500 million

approved an additional
$500 million

investment in the
Manhattan Project.

investment in the
Manhattan Project.

investment in the
Manhattan Project.

The first priority-- to
build the massive industrial

The first priority-- to
build the massive industrial

facilities that would produce
the fissionable material

facilities that would produce
the fissionable material

facilities that would produce
the fissionable material

to fuel the atom bomb.

to fuel the atom bomb.

Robert Oppenheimer's
team of physicists

Robert Oppenheimer's
team of physicists

doubled the amount
of uranium-235

doubled the amount
of uranium-235

thought necessary to
achieve critical mass

thought necessary to
achieve critical mass

and sustain an explosive chain
reaction to 200 kilograms.

and sustain an explosive chain
reaction to 200 kilograms.

and sustain an explosive chain
reaction to 200 kilograms.

Their calculation, made without
adequate samples of U235

Their calculation, made without
adequate samples of U235

Their calculation, made without
adequate samples of U235

for tests, would prove to be
10 times the required amount.

for tests, would prove to be
10 times the required amount.

for tests, would prove to be
10 times the required amount.

The scientists at Los
Alamos also studied

The scientists at Los
Alamos also studied

tampers, barrier
materials that would

tampers, barrier
materials that would

tampers, barrier
materials that would

slow the expansion
of the critical mass

slow the expansion
of the critical mass

and reflect neutrons back
to feed the fission process

and reflect neutrons back
to feed the fission process

and reflect neutrons back
to feed the fission process

inside the bomb.

Determined to have the atom
bomb ready for use in the war,

Determined to have the atom
bomb ready for use in the war,

Determined to have the atom
bomb ready for use in the war,

General Groves
notified contractors

General Groves
notified contractors

in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that
they had a scant six months

in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that
they had a scant six months

in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that
they had a scant six months

to build the massive
electromagnetic calutrons

to build the massive
electromagnetic calutrons

designed by Ernest Lawrence at
the University of California

designed by Ernest Lawrence at
the University of California

designed by Ernest Lawrence at
the University of California

in Berkeley.

These calutrons would be used
to separate U235 from U238.

These calutrons would be used
to separate U235 from U238.

These calutrons would be used
to separate U235 from U238.

GREGG HERKEN: Lawrence was,
to some extent, an engineer.

GREGG HERKEN: Lawrence was,
to some extent, an engineer.

He was comfortable with
the soldering iron,

He was comfortable with
the soldering iron,

and with wrenches, and with
the tools of the trade,

and with wrenches, and with
the tools of the trade,

and with wrenches, and with
the tools of the trade,

with building machines.

NARRATOR: In February
1943, construction

NARRATOR: In February
1943, construction

began on the calutron site.

began on the calutron site.

It was given the deliberately
nondescript code name Y-12.

It was given the deliberately
nondescript code name Y-12.

These gigantic structures
contained multiple calutrons,

These gigantic structures
contained multiple calutrons,

These gigantic structures
contained multiple calutrons,

box-shaped collection units that
were configured in a racetrack

box-shaped collection units that
were configured in a racetrack

layout.

A magnetic field passed
throughout the entire oval

A magnetic field passed
throughout the entire oval

of calutrons, causing the
divergence of streams of U235

of calutrons, causing the
divergence of streams of U235

of calutrons, causing the
divergence of streams of U235

and U238 so that the separated
isotopes could be collected.

and U238 so that the separated
isotopes could be collected.

A single calutron could capture
a mere 10 grams of U235 daily.

A single calutron could capture
a mere 10 grams of U235 daily.

A single calutron could capture
a mere 10 grams of U235 daily.

A staggering total of 1,152
would be built by war's end.

A staggering total of 1,152
would be built by war's end.

A staggering total of 1,152
would be built by war's end.

Because of the intense
time constraints,

Because of the intense
time constraints,

Groves could not afford
to build pilot plants,

Groves could not afford
to build pilot plants,

Groves could not afford
to build pilot plants,

facilities to test the scaling
up of the laboratory processes.

facilities to test the scaling
up of the laboratory processes.

ELLEN BRADBURY: They're
physically building Oak Ridge

ELLEN BRADBURY: They're
physically building Oak Ridge

and Y-12--

and Y-12--

the electromagnetic
separation plant--

the electromagnetic
separation plant--

before the design drawings
had even been approved.

before the design drawings
had even been approved.

It's incredible that-- you would
never do this in civilian life,

It's incredible that-- you would
never do this in civilian life,

It's incredible that-- you would
never do this in civilian life,

and you would never do it short
of a wartime emergency that

and you would never do it short
of a wartime emergency that

is dire.

is dire.

They turn the alpha
one racetrack on

They turn the alpha
one racetrack on

to make the first uranium,
and everything goes haywire.

to make the first uranium,
and everything goes haywire.

to make the first uranium,
and everything goes haywire.

The magnets are so strong
that they pull nails out

The magnets are so strong
that they pull nails out

of the wall.

of the wall.

NARRATOR: Groves arrived
and shut the plant down.

NARRATOR: Groves arrived
and shut the plant down.

His response was
characteristic of his approach.

His response was
characteristic of his approach.

His response was
characteristic of his approach.

Since the racetracks were
not operating to capacity,

Since the racetracks were
not operating to capacity,

Since the racetracks were
not operating to capacity,

more would have to be
built to supply the bombs.

more would have to be
built to supply the bombs.

As a result, the
town of Oak Ridge

As a result, the
town of Oak Ridge

continued to grow to house
an expanding workforce.

continued to grow to house
an expanding workforce.

continued to grow to house
an expanding workforce.

75,000 people would ultimately
come to live at the site.

75,000 people would ultimately
come to live at the site.

75,000 people would ultimately
come to live at the site.

Groves used creative
means to recruit them.

Groves used creative
means to recruit them.

Groves used creative
means to recruit them.

RICHARD RHODES: It was hard
to get construction workers

RICHARD RHODES: It was hard
to get construction workers

during the war.

during the war.

His solution was to
put out ads saying,

His solution was to
put out ads saying,

we can't tell you
what you'll be doing,

we can't tell you
what you'll be doing,

but there'll be steak
every night on the table.

but there'll be steak
every night on the table.

but there'll be steak
every night on the table.

NARRATOR: Once hired,
workers were instructed

NARRATOR: Once hired,
workers were instructed

to be evasive about
what they were doing.

to be evasive about
what they were doing.

JOANNE GAILAR: If anybody asks
you what you make in Oak Ridge,

JOANNE GAILAR: If anybody asks
you what you make in Oak Ridge,

JOANNE GAILAR: If anybody asks
you what you make in Oak Ridge,

you tell them you're making the
lights for the lightning bugs,

you tell them you're making the
lights for the lightning bugs,

or that you're making
the holes for the donuts.

or that you're making
the holes for the donuts.

or that you're making
the holes for the donuts.

[forced laughter]

NARRATOR: Meanwhile,
at Los Alamos,

NARRATOR: Meanwhile,
at Los Alamos,

design work was
underway on the Gadget,

design work was
underway on the Gadget,

as the test bomb
came to be known.

as the test bomb
came to be known.

The main obstacle was how to
quickly assemble two smaller

The main obstacle was how to
quickly assemble two smaller

The main obstacle was how to
quickly assemble two smaller

subcritical masses into
one larger explosive one.

subcritical masses into
one larger explosive one.

The bomb design that they
came up with was a gun design.

The bomb design that they
came up with was a gun design.

The bomb design that they
came up with was a gun design.

Inside the bomb, a cannon
would fire one piece

Inside the bomb, a cannon
would fire one piece

of radioactive fuel into another
at 3,000 feet per second.

of radioactive fuel into another
at 3,000 feet per second.

of radioactive fuel into another
at 3,000 feet per second.

The pieces would have to come
together fast enough to prevent

The pieces would have to come
together fast enough to prevent

The pieces would have to come
together fast enough to prevent

spontaneously emitted neutrons
from melting the fuel,

spontaneously emitted neutrons
from melting the fuel,

causing the bomb to fizzle,
rather than explode.

causing the bomb to fizzle,
rather than explode.

ROGER MEADE: But the engineering
aspects were daunting.

ROGER MEADE: But the engineering
aspects were daunting.

ROGER MEADE: But the engineering
aspects were daunting.

It's one thing to say you
can shoot a piece of uranium

It's one thing to say you
can shoot a piece of uranium

at a second piece,
but how do you do it?

at a second piece,
but how do you do it?

How fast does it have to go?

How fast does it have to go?

How do you stop it at the end?

How do you keep it together
long enough as a mass so

How do you keep it together
long enough as a mass so

How do you keep it together
long enough as a mass so

that it does go high-order
and give you an atomic bomb?

that it does go high-order
and give you an atomic bomb?

NARRATOR: Oppenheimer
led the effort

NARRATOR: Oppenheimer
led the effort

to overcome these obstacles by
setting an example for his team

to overcome these obstacles by
setting an example for his team

to overcome these obstacles by
setting an example for his team

at Los Alamos.

PHILIP MORRISON: In the
middle of the night,

PHILIP MORRISON: In the
middle of the night,

something would be done.

something would be done.

In would walk Robert just at the
right time to see how it went.

In would walk Robert just at the
right time to see how it went.

He was interested in
everything-- in the explosives,

He was interested in
everything-- in the explosives,

in the mechanics,
in the chemistry,

in the mechanics,
in the chemistry,

in the mechanics,
in the chemistry,

in the bomb itself, of course.

And this is what makes a
big laboratory of thousands

And this is what makes a
big laboratory of thousands

And this is what makes a
big laboratory of thousands

of people working
together coherent.

of people working
together coherent.

ELLEN BRADBURY: Oppenheimer was
living on coffee, and martinis,

ELLEN BRADBURY: Oppenheimer was
living on coffee, and martinis,

and cigarettes.

Groves was eating [inaudible]
chocolate samplers,

Groves was eating [inaudible]
chocolate samplers,

Groves was eating [inaudible]
chocolate samplers,

and sleeping soundly, whereas
Oppenheimer was anguished.

and sleeping soundly, whereas
Oppenheimer was anguished.

They were just so different, but
they seemed to be able to mesh,

They were just so different, but
they seemed to be able to mesh,

They were just so different, but
they seemed to be able to mesh,

and they certainly
had a common goal.

and they certainly
had a common goal.

and they certainly
had a common goal.

NARRATOR: And this common goal
was about to reach a new level.

NARRATOR: And this common goal
was about to reach a new level.

NARRATOR: And this common goal
was about to reach a new level.

As scientists refined
the design of the Gadget,

As scientists refined
the design of the Gadget,

a new man-made
element, plutonium,

a new man-made
element, plutonium,

was gaining favor
as a possible fuel.

was gaining favor
as a possible fuel.

Identified in 1941,
plutonium was almost twice as

Identified in 1941,
plutonium was almost twice as

likely to undergo
fission as uranium-235,

likely to undergo
fission as uranium-235,

and could be produced
on a large scale

and could be produced
on a large scale

by irradiating uranium
in nuclear reactors.

by irradiating uranium
in nuclear reactors.

by irradiating uranium
in nuclear reactors.

In order to produce plutonium,
three production reactors

In order to produce plutonium,
three production reactors

In order to produce plutonium,
three production reactors

were designed by engineers
at the University of Chicago.

were designed by engineers
at the University of Chicago.

were designed by engineers
at the University of Chicago.

It would be built in
Hanford, Washington.

It would be built in
Hanford, Washington.

Groves initiated the
construction at Hanford

Groves initiated the
construction at Hanford

Groves initiated the
construction at Hanford

on August 27, 1943
with a labor force that

on August 27, 1943
with a labor force that

on August 27, 1943
with a labor force that

had been recruited to the area.

had been recruited to the area.

WILLIAM MADIA: --numbers as high
as 60,000 construction workers

WILLIAM MADIA: --numbers as high
as 60,000 construction workers

WILLIAM MADIA: --numbers as high
as 60,000 construction workers

living in tents out on
the Hanford reservation.

living in tents out on
the Hanford reservation.

So the government went
in and bought up a half

So the government went
in and bought up a half

a million acres out in the
desert of Eastern Washington,

a million acres out in the
desert of Eastern Washington,

a million acres out in the
desert of Eastern Washington,

created this remote construction
site, and literally,

created this remote construction
site, and literally,

in a matter of
months, constructed

in a matter of
months, constructed

large-scale engineered
structures for plutonium

large-scale engineered
structures for plutonium

large-scale engineered
structures for plutonium

production.

NARRATOR: But Groves was not
content to rely on just two

NARRATOR: But Groves was not
content to rely on just two

approaches--

approaches--

Y-12 and Hanford-- to produce
the weapons-grade fuel

Y-12 and Hanford-- to produce
the weapons-grade fuel

for the bomb.

for the bomb.

By September, 1943, he
had begun construction

By September, 1943, he
had begun construction

By September, 1943, he
had begun construction

on a third, K-25, a gigantic
gaseous diffusion plant

on a third, K-25, a gigantic
gaseous diffusion plant

at Oak Ridge.

In the diffusion process,
a gaseous compound,

In the diffusion process,
a gaseous compound,

In the diffusion process,
a gaseous compound,

uranium hexafluoride, passes
through a cascade of barriers,

uranium hexafluoride, passes
through a cascade of barriers,

each one giving a slight
enrichment of the lighter

each one giving a slight
enrichment of the lighter

isotope U235.

isotope U235.

isotope U235.

The difficulty lay in finding
a barrier that would not

The difficulty lay in finding
a barrier that would not

be degraded by the
very corrosive gas.

be degraded by the
very corrosive gas.

be degraded by the
very corrosive gas.

Scientists and
engineers were not

Scientists and
engineers were not

able to manufacture a
satisfactory barrier

able to manufacture a
satisfactory barrier

until a year after site
construction began on K-25,

until a year after site
construction began on K-25,

until a year after site
construction began on K-25,

until a year after site
construction began on K-25,

a building that would
ultimately cover more area

a building that would
ultimately cover more area

a building that would
ultimately cover more area

than any structure ever built.

The U shape measured half a
mile long by 1,000 feet wide,

The U shape measured half a
mile long by 1,000 feet wide,

The U shape measured half a
mile long by 1,000 feet wide,

with an area of 2
million square feet.

with an area of 2
million square feet.

It contained a series of
sealed containers and cascades

It contained a series of
sealed containers and cascades

It contained a series of
sealed containers and cascades

that ran the length
of the building.

Oak Ridge continued to grow,
and by the end of the war,

Oak Ridge continued to grow,
and by the end of the war,

it was the fifth largest
town in Tennessee.

it was the fifth largest
town in Tennessee.

JOE DYKSTRA: The total power
consumption during the K-25

JOE DYKSTRA: The total power
consumption during the K-25

JOE DYKSTRA: The total power
consumption during the K-25

operation during the war
in their Manhattan District

operation during the war
in their Manhattan District

was about 10% of the electrical
power, electrical energy

was about 10% of the electrical
power, electrical energy

in the United States.

in the United States.

JAMES HACKWORTH: If
you look at the size,

JAMES HACKWORTH: If
you look at the size,

the scope of the K-25 site
in the Manhattan Project,

the scope of the K-25 site
in the Manhattan Project,

I don't think there's been
any engineering feat to date

I don't think there's been
any engineering feat to date

I don't think there's been
any engineering feat to date

comparable to what was
done, was in the time frame.

comparable to what was
done, was in the time frame.

NARRATOR: It was looking
less and less likely

NARRATOR: It was looking
less and less likely

that enough U235 could be
produced to impact the war.

that enough U235 could be
produced to impact the war.

At the same time, the
alternative, plutonium,

At the same time, the
alternative, plutonium,

At the same time, the
alternative, plutonium,

was proving to be
equally tricky.

was proving to be
equally tricky.

Impurities in this new element
were leading to increased

Impurities in this new element
were leading to increased

Impurities in this new element
were leading to increased

neutron activity that would
cause bombs to pre-detonate,

neutron activity that would
cause bombs to pre-detonate,

to fizzle before the two halves
joined in a critical mass.

to fizzle before the two halves
joined in a critical mass.

to fizzle before the two halves
joined in a critical mass.

There are production
problems at Oak Ridge.

There are production
problems at Oak Ridge.

They're not sure they
can even make any uranium

They're not sure they
can even make any uranium

at that point-- uranium-235.

at that point-- uranium-235.

And so if they can't use
plutonium [inaudible]

And so if they can't use
plutonium [inaudible]

there may, in fact, not
even be an atomic bomb.

there may, in fact, not
even be an atomic bomb.

GREGG HERKEN: It's
a real crisis.

GREGG HERKEN: It's
a real crisis.

It's at that point that I think
Oppenheimer's talent comes

It's at that point that I think
Oppenheimer's talent comes

to the fore, where he brings
in the people-- new people,

to the fore, where he brings
in the people-- new people,

to the fore, where he brings
in the people-- new people,

in fact-- and he
reorganizes Los Alamos--

in fact-- and he
reorganizes Los Alamos--

that brings people in to
solve the problem of how

that brings people in to
solve the problem of how

to make a plutonium bomb.

to make a plutonium bomb.

NARRATOR: The plutonium
bomb's new configuration

NARRATOR: The plutonium
bomb's new configuration

called for an outer shell of
explosives that would direct

called for an outer shell of
explosives that would direct

symmetrical shock waves
inward, compressing

symmetrical shock waves
inward, compressing

symmetrical shock waves
inward, compressing

a subcritical central
mass of plutonium.

a subcritical central
mass of plutonium.

The resulting increase
in the density

would shrink distances
between nuclei,

would shrink distances
between nuclei,

thus starting the
explosive chain reaction.

thus starting the
explosive chain reaction.

thus starting the
explosive chain reaction.

Nobody had ever
taken high explosives,

wrapped them around something,
and got a symmetrical

wrapped them around something,
and got a symmetrical

wrapped them around something,
and got a symmetrical

explosion, and so they weren't
even sure they could do that,

explosion, and so they weren't
even sure they could do that,

technically.

technically.

It was a very tough
engineering problem.

It was a very tough
engineering problem.

So from May 1944 until
about August of '44,

So from May 1944 until
about August of '44,

the laboratory wrestles
with this problem.

the laboratory wrestles
with this problem.

NARRATOR: By late 1944, K-25,
the gaseous diffusion plant,

NARRATOR: By late 1944, K-25,
the gaseous diffusion plant,

was producing
enriched U235 that ran

was producing
enriched U235 that ran

through the magnetic calutrons
to affect a further enrichment.

through the magnetic calutrons
to affect a further enrichment.

through the magnetic calutrons
to affect a further enrichment.

This one-two punch
generated enough fuel

This one-two punch
generated enough fuel

for one gun-type bomb.

for one gun-type bomb.

But if, as military
strategists thought,

But if, as military
strategists thought,

it would take more than one
bomb to break the enemy's will,

it would take more than one
bomb to break the enemy's will,

it would take more than one
bomb to break the enemy's will,

then it was crucial
that the upcoming test

then it was crucial
that the upcoming test

of the new plutonium
implosion bomb work.

of the new plutonium
implosion bomb work.

of the new plutonium
implosion bomb work.

All this uncertainty only
served to heighten tensions

All this uncertainty only
served to heighten tensions

All this uncertainty only
served to heighten tensions

All this uncertainty only
served to heighten tensions

at Los Alamos, as scientists
and engineers prepared

at Los Alamos, as scientists
and engineers prepared

for the first detonation
of an atomic weapon.

for the first detonation
of an atomic weapon.

If the implosion
design was successful,

If the implosion
design was successful,

it might bring an
end to the war.

As a substitute for copper,
which was in short supply

As a substitute for copper,
which was in short supply

As a substitute for copper,
which was in short supply

As a substitute for copper,
which was in short supply

during World War II, the US
Army borrowed almost 15,000 tons

during World War II, the US
Army borrowed almost 15,000 tons

of silver from the
US Treasury to wind

of silver from the
US Treasury to wind

into coils for the
calutron's electromagnets.

into coils for the
calutron's electromagnets.

into coils for the
calutron's electromagnets.

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

Weapon design for
the uranium gun bomb

Weapon design for
the uranium gun bomb

was completed by February 1945.

was completed by February 1945.

Confidence in the
weapon was high.

Confidence in the
weapon was high.

They named it Little Boy for
its relatively small size--

They named it Little Boy for
its relatively small size--

They named it Little Boy for
its relatively small size--

10 feet long, and less
than 10,000 pounds.

10 feet long, and less
than 10,000 pounds.

10 feet long, and less
than 10,000 pounds.

Designers considered
a test prior

Designers considered
a test prior

to combat use unnecessary,
and impossible,

to combat use unnecessary,
and impossible,

since there was only
enough U235 for one bomb.

since there was only
enough U235 for one bomb.

since there was only
enough U235 for one bomb.

The design for the
more complicated

plutonium-fueled
implosion device,

plutonium-fueled
implosion device,

dubbed Fat Man for its rotund
shape, was approved in March,

dubbed Fat Man for its rotund
shape, was approved in March,

dubbed Fat Man for its rotund
shape, was approved in March,

and a test was
scheduled for July.

and a test was
scheduled for July.

In preparation for
deployment of the weapons,

In preparation for
deployment of the weapons,

In preparation for
deployment of the weapons,

Colonel Paul Tibbets, a veteran
combat pilot with extensive

Colonel Paul Tibbets, a veteran
combat pilot with extensive

B-29 experience, was selected
and placed at the head of a new

B-29 experience, was selected
and placed at the head of a new

B-29 experience, was selected
and placed at the head of a new

unit--

the 509th composite group.

the 509th composite group.

The unit began training
at Wendover Field, Utah,

The unit began training
at Wendover Field, Utah,

The unit began training
at Wendover Field, Utah,

dropping 5,500-pound
orange dummy bombs.

dropping 5,500-pound
orange dummy bombs.

On April 12, 1945,
President Roosevelt

died in Warm Springs, Georgia,
bringing Vice President Harry S

died in Warm Springs, Georgia,
bringing Vice President Harry S

died in Warm Springs, Georgia,
bringing Vice President Harry S

Truman into the Oval Office.

Truman into the Oval Office.

Secrecy on the Manhattan Project
had been so tight that Truman

Secrecy on the Manhattan Project
had been so tight that Truman

Secrecy on the Manhattan Project
had been so tight that Truman

was not privy to the
bomb developments,

was not privy to the
bomb developments,

and had to be briefed
extensively in his first weeks

and had to be briefed
extensively in his first weeks

in office.

Less than one month later,
German armed forces in Europe

Less than one month later,
German armed forces in Europe

Less than one month later,
German armed forces in Europe

surrendered, but Japan did not.

surrendered, but Japan did not.

In June 1945, Tibbets and his
unit moved to Tinian Island

In June 1945, Tibbets and his
unit moved to Tinian Island

In June 1945, Tibbets and his
unit moved to Tinian Island

in the Pacific, 1,450 miles from
Tokyo, where the Navy Seabees

in the Pacific, 1,450 miles from
Tokyo, where the Navy Seabees

had built the world's largest
airport to accommodate Boeing's

had built the world's largest
airport to accommodate Boeing's

new B-29 Super Fortresses.

new B-29 Super Fortresses.

PAUL TIBBETS: --island was
selected because it was

PAUL TIBBETS: --island was
selected because it was

within striking range of Japan.

within striking range of Japan.

Number two, it had
the longest runways.

Number two, it had
the longest runways.

Number three, it had
the facilities there

Number three, it had
the facilities there

to modify the area where
we're going to load the bomb.

to modify the area where
we're going to load the bomb.

to modify the area where
we're going to load the bomb.

I wanted to have my crews
fly over enemy territory,

I wanted to have my crews
fly over enemy territory,

because they were not used to
flying over enemy territory.

because they were not used to
flying over enemy territory.

because they were not used to
flying over enemy territory.

I wanted to get practice flying,
being shot at, flying alone.

I wanted to get practice flying,
being shot at, flying alone.

I wanted to get practice flying,
being shot at, flying alone.

NARRATOR: Half a world away on
the morning of July 16, 1945,

NARRATOR: Half a world away on
the morning of July 16, 1945,

NARRATOR: Half a world away on
the morning of July 16, 1945,

in the New Mexico desert 200
miles south of Los Alamos,

in the New Mexico desert 200
miles south of Los Alamos,

in the New Mexico desert 200
miles south of Los Alamos,

scientists and dignitaries
awaited the results

scientists and dignitaries
awaited the results

of the first test
of an atomic weapon.

of the first test
of an atomic weapon.

of the first test
of an atomic weapon.

Oppenheimer had given the
test of the implosion device

Oppenheimer had given the
test of the implosion device

Oppenheimer had given the
test of the implosion device

the codename Trinity, a
reference to a devotional poem

the codename Trinity, a
reference to a devotional poem

the codename Trinity, a
reference to a devotional poem

by 17th century English
poet John Donne.

by 17th century English
poet John Donne.

The poem explores
the paradox of a God

The poem explores
the paradox of a God

that destroys in order to renew.

that destroys in order to renew.

But on the morning
of the Trinity test,

But on the morning
of the Trinity test,

the implosion device did not
look particularly imposing

the implosion device did not
look particularly imposing

the implosion device did not
look particularly imposing

atop a tower 100 feet high.

atop a tower 100 feet high.

JOHN ISAACSON: One of the guys
said that, really, the Trinity

JOHN ISAACSON: One of the guys
said that, really, the Trinity

device owes a tremendous debt
to 3M, because most of it

device owes a tremendous debt
to 3M, because most of it

device owes a tremendous debt
to 3M, because most of it

was held together
with masking tape.

was held together
with masking tape.

It was a garage bomb, basically.

It was a garage bomb, basically.

ROGER MEADE: And it literally
takes about three days

ROGER MEADE: And it literally
takes about three days

to assemble one of
these wartime devices.

to assemble one of
these wartime devices.

to assemble one of
these wartime devices.

Think of them as crude
laboratory devices.

They're not production designs.

They're not production designs.

You don't roll them
off an assembly line.

You don't roll them
off an assembly line.

You don't roll them
off an assembly line.

You've got to worry about,
have we done everything right?

You've got to worry about,
have we done everything right?

What's missing?

And there are stories
where people, last minute,

And there are stories
where people, last minute,

have a nightmare that they
put something together wrong,

have a nightmare that they
put something together wrong,

have a nightmare that they
put something together wrong,

actually go back in, and
discover that, oh, I inserted

actually go back in, and
discover that, oh, I inserted

this wire backwards,
or that one.

this wire backwards,
or that one.

NARRATOR: The scientists waited
anxiously at their posts.

NARRATOR: The scientists waited
anxiously at their posts.

NARRATOR: The scientists waited
anxiously at their posts.

Some feared success
because of speculation

Some feared success
because of speculation

that the bomb might
ignite the atmosphere

that the bomb might
ignite the atmosphere

and destroy the world.

Teller was 20 miles away at
[inaudible] Hill with Lawrence,

Teller was 20 miles away at
[inaudible] Hill with Lawrence,

Teller was 20 miles away at
[inaudible] Hill with Lawrence,

and Teller mostly scared
everybody to death,

and Teller mostly scared
everybody to death,

because he was putting suntan
lotion on his face and in his

because he was putting suntan
lotion on his face and in his

because he was putting suntan
lotion on his face and in his

hands and-- as a guard against
the ultraviolet from the bomb.

hands and-- as a guard against
the ultraviolet from the bomb.

hands and-- as a guard against
the ultraviolet from the bomb.

And this is 20 miles away.

NARRATOR: All the scientists
were 20 miles away,

NARRATOR: All the scientists
were 20 miles away,

but most feared a dud,
especially since a blank test

but most feared a dud,
especially since a blank test

but most feared a dud,
especially since a blank test

of the explosives
surrounding the core

had failed just days before.

Sensors showed that they had
not fired simultaneously,

Sensors showed that they had
not fired simultaneously,

Sensors showed that they had
not fired simultaneously,

and would not have
compressed the core properly.

and would not have
compressed the core properly.

MCALLISTER HULL: It
was really unnerving

MCALLISTER HULL: It
was really unnerving

when the blank shot failed.

The normal anxiety that one
might have had with a device

The normal anxiety that one
might have had with a device

The normal anxiety that one
might have had with a device

on which you had worked, but
had never been tested fully

on which you had worked, but
had never been tested fully

was heightened by the
failure of the blank shot.

was heightened by the
failure of the blank shot.

was heightened by the
failure of the blank shot.

General Groves was lying
on the ground in the prone

General Groves was lying
on the ground in the prone

General Groves was lying
on the ground in the prone

position facing
away from the blast.

position facing
away from the blast.

What he said was going
through his mind was,

What he said was going
through his mind was,

what was he going to do
when the timer got to zero

what was he going to do
when the timer got to zero

and nothing happened?

NARRATOR: At 5:30
AM, July 16, 1945,

NARRATOR: At 5:30
AM, July 16, 1945,

the world entered the atomic
age with an intense flash,

the world entered the atomic
age with an intense flash,

the world entered the atomic
age with an intense flash,

a sudden wave of heat, followed
by a tremendous shockwave.

a sudden wave of heat, followed
by a tremendous shockwave.

The ball of fire
extended 40,000 feet.

The ball of fire
extended 40,000 feet.

The ball of fire
extended 40,000 feet.

The bomb packed a
punch equivalent

The bomb packed a
punch equivalent

to 20,000 tons of TNT, the high
end of most of the scientists'

to 20,000 tons of TNT, the high
end of most of the scientists'

to 20,000 tons of TNT, the high
end of most of the scientists'

predictions, completely
vaporizing the steel tower

predictions, completely
vaporizing the steel tower

predictions, completely
vaporizing the steel tower

predictions, completely
vaporizing the steel tower

and heating the desert sand
into glass for a radius of 800

and heating the desert sand
into glass for a radius of 800

yards.

What caught me
was I hadn't thought

What caught me
was I hadn't thought

the heat of the fireball
would heat my face

the heat of the fireball
would heat my face

exactly as at sunrise.

exactly as at sunrise.

EDWARD TELLER: It became
brighter and brighter,

EDWARD TELLER: It became
brighter and brighter,

and rose, and I knew that soon
it will be used over Japan,

and rose, and I knew that soon
it will be used over Japan,

and rose, and I knew that soon
it will be used over Japan,

and then it will not
be just an experiment.

and then it will not
be just an experiment.

and then it will not
be just an experiment.

NARRATOR: Groves
returned to Washington

NARRATOR: Groves
returned to Washington

to report the results to
Secretary of War Henry Stimson,

to report the results to
Secretary of War Henry Stimson,

to report the results to
Secretary of War Henry Stimson,

and to make preparations for the
use of the bomb against Japan.

and to make preparations for the
use of the bomb against Japan.

Later that day, Groves
had his photograph

Later that day, Groves
had his photograph

taken for the publicity
that would accompany

taken for the publicity
that would accompany

the bombing of Hiroshima.

the bombing of Hiroshima.

ED WESTCOTT: And I said,
general, look down [inaudible]

ED WESTCOTT: And I said,
general, look down [inaudible]

ED WESTCOTT: And I said,
general, look down [inaudible]

Tokyo.

He put his hands on
his hips and says,

He put his hands on
his hips and says,

no, I won't look at Tokyo, Ed,
but I'll look somewhere close

no, I won't look at Tokyo, Ed,
but I'll look somewhere close

no, I won't look at Tokyo, Ed,
but I'll look somewhere close

to it.

So he did, and I
made the picture.

So he did, and I
made the picture.

So he did, and I
made the picture.

So he did, and I
made the picture.

Wherever he was looking
was probably Hiroshima.

Wherever he was looking
was probably Hiroshima.

Wherever he was looking
was probably Hiroshima.

NARRATOR: Although Trinity
had been a success,

NARRATOR: Although Trinity
had been a success,

questions remained
about Fat Man.

questions remained
about Fat Man.

MCALLISTER HULL: Trinity
was [inaudible] dropped.

MCALLISTER HULL: Trinity
was [inaudible] dropped.

It was a gadget sitting
on top of a tower.

It was a gadget sitting
on top of a tower.

It was a gadget sitting
on top of a tower.

So could the bomb work?

That would certainly
have been the military.

That would certainly
have been the military.

We test them in action.

NARRATOR: Moreover, the
untested Little Boy would only

NARRATOR: Moreover, the
untested Little Boy would only

get one chance to work.

get one chance to work.

ROGER MEADE: The only way
we could know for sure

ROGER MEADE: The only way
we could know for sure

is if we actually test it, but
we don't have enough uranium.

is if we actually test it, but
we don't have enough uranium.

is if we actually test it, but
we don't have enough uranium.

So we're going to
have to look at this

and say, our
calculations look good,

and say, our
calculations look good,

and say, our
calculations look good,

our engineering looks
good, but we don't know.

our engineering looks
good, but we don't know.

And so Little Boy goes into
combat as an untested weapon.

And so Little Boy goes into
combat as an untested weapon.

And so Little Boy goes into
combat as an untested weapon.

NARRATOR: The course of the
war, the work of thousands,

NARRATOR: The course of the
war, the work of thousands,

the expenditure of billions, and
the fate of more than 100,000

the expenditure of billions, and
the fate of more than 100,000

Japanese soldiers and
civilians hung in the balance

Japanese soldiers and
civilians hung in the balance

Japanese soldiers and
civilians hung in the balance

on the morning of
August 6, 1945,

on the morning of
August 6, 1945,

as the Enola Gay flew
31,000 feet over Hiroshima.

as the Enola Gay flew
31,000 feet over Hiroshima.

as the Enola Gay flew
31,000 feet over Hiroshima.

On its way home from delivering
the uranium bomb to Tinian

On its way home from delivering
the uranium bomb to Tinian

On its way home from delivering
the uranium bomb to Tinian

Island, the USS Indianapolis
was torpedoed and sunk

Island, the USS Indianapolis
was torpedoed and sunk

by a Japanese submarine.

by a Japanese submarine.

Of the 1,196 men aboard,
only 315 were saved.

Of the 1,196 men aboard,
only 315 were saved.

Of the 1,196 men aboard,
only 315 were saved.

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

The Manhattan Project will
return on "Modern Marvels."

[music playing]

[music playing]

In June of 1945, 155
Manhattan Project scientists

In June of 1945, 155
Manhattan Project scientists

signed a petition calling
for a demonstration

signed a petition calling
for a demonstration

signed a petition calling
for a demonstration

of the atomic bomb over
an uninhabited area

of the atomic bomb over
an uninhabited area

prior to its use against Japan.

prior to its use against Japan.

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: General
Groves heard about the petition

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: General
Groves heard about the petition

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: General
Groves heard about the petition

and ordered that it not be
circulated at Los Alamos.

and ordered that it not be
circulated at Los Alamos.

Then, to undermine
the petition, he

Then, to undermine
the petition, he

conducted a poll of
atomic scientists.

conducted a poll of
atomic scientists.

What do you think
of a demonstration?

What do you think
of a demonstration?

To his chagrin, 83% of the
people answering the poll

To his chagrin, 83% of the
people answering the poll

To his chagrin, 83% of the
people answering the poll

said some sort of demonstration
was preferable to bombing

said some sort of demonstration
was preferable to bombing

civilians.

civilians.

So then Groves saw to it that
the petition was bottled up

So then Groves saw to it that
the petition was bottled up

So then Groves saw to it that
the petition was bottled up

at Oak Ridge until after
the bombs fell on Japan.

at Oak Ridge until after
the bombs fell on Japan.

NARRATOR: There was, however,
strong support, particularly

NARRATOR: There was, however,
strong support, particularly

NARRATOR: There was, however,
strong support, particularly

NARRATOR: There was, however,
strong support, particularly

at the highest levels of
government and the military,

at the highest levels of
government and the military,

to use the bomb swiftly
against Japanese cities.

to use the bomb swiftly
against Japanese cities.

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: There
was every incentive

WILLIAM LANOUETTE: There
was every incentive

to use this weapon to scare
the Japanese into surrender

to use this weapon to scare
the Japanese into surrender

to use this weapon to scare
the Japanese into surrender

before the Russians got in
on the post-war settlement.

before the Russians got in
on the post-war settlement.

What our military leaders feared
was what happened in Korea,

What our military leaders feared
was what happened in Korea,

What our military leaders feared
was what happened in Korea,

where there was a North
Japan and a South Japan,

where there was a North
Japan and a South Japan,

and the North Japan was
communist in the South Japan

and the North Japan was
communist in the South Japan

was capitalist.

NARRATOR: Moreover, the assault
on the Japanese mainland

NARRATOR: Moreover, the assault
on the Japanese mainland

NARRATOR: Moreover, the assault
on the Japanese mainland

NARRATOR: Moreover, the assault
on the Japanese mainland

scheduled for November of
1945 would include a million

scheduled for November of
1945 would include a million

and a half Allied soldiers.

and a half Allied soldiers.

Casualties in the
Pacific indicated

Casualties in the
Pacific indicated

that losses would be heavy.

that losses would be heavy.

RICHARD RHODES: By the end
of the Second World War,

RICHARD RHODES: By the end
of the Second World War,

we were so angry
at the Japanese.

we were so angry
at the Japanese.

They had started the war,
they had fought furiously,

They had started the war,
they had fought furiously,

They had started the war,
they had fought furiously,

and brutally, they had
slaughtered civilians.

and brutally, they had
slaughtered civilians.

and brutally, they had
slaughtered civilians.

We had, by that time, totally
destroyed their air force,

We had, by that time, totally
destroyed their air force,

We had, by that time, totally
destroyed their air force,

we had totally
destroyed their navy,

we had totally
destroyed their navy,

and yet they wouldn't surrender.

and yet they wouldn't surrender.

NARRATOR: In the spring
of 1945, General Groves

NARRATOR: In the spring
of 1945, General Groves

NARRATOR: In the spring
of 1945, General Groves

chose populated Japanese
cities as potential targets

chose populated Japanese
cities as potential targets

to demonstrate the
bomb's destructive power

to demonstrate the
bomb's destructive power

and end the war as
quickly as possible.

Once selected, the
cities on his short list

Once selected, the
cities on his short list

were off limits to
Allied bombing raids.

were off limits to
Allied bombing raids.

They would be saved in
order to be destroyed.

They would be saved in
order to be destroyed.

The final decision rested
with the president,

The final decision rested
with the president,

The final decision rested
with the president,

and was made on June 1 after a
conversation with his Secretary

and was made on June 1 after a
conversation with his Secretary

of State, James Byrnes.

of State, James Byrnes.

RICHARD RHODES:
And at one point,

RICHARD RHODES:
And at one point,

Byrnes said to Truman, Mr.
President, what will you

Byrnes said to Truman, Mr.
President, what will you

tell the American people
at your impeachment

tell the American people
at your impeachment

in 1946, when they find out
that you had a weapon that could

in 1946, when they find out
that you had a weapon that could

in 1946, when they find out
that you had a weapon that could

have ended the war and
saved American lives,

have ended the war and
saved American lives,

have ended the war and
saved American lives,

and you decided not to use it?

and you decided not to use it?

I think that probably was the
decisive argument for Truman.

I think that probably was the
decisive argument for Truman.

I think that probably was the
decisive argument for Truman.

He'd been in World
War I, and he knew

He'd been in World
War I, and he knew

what it was to fight and die.

what it was to fight and die.

And I think he was interested
in stopping it as quick as he

And I think he was interested
in stopping it as quick as he

And I think he was interested
in stopping it as quick as he

could, and I certainly admired
the man for what he did.

could, and I certainly admired
the man for what he did.

Let there be no mistake.

Let there be no mistake.

We shall completely destroy
Japan's power to make war.

We shall completely destroy
Japan's power to make war.

We shall completely destroy
Japan's power to make war.

If they do not now
accept our terms,

If they do not now
accept our terms,

they may expect a rain of ruin
from the air the like of which

they may expect a rain of ruin
from the air the like of which

they may expect a rain of ruin
from the air the like of which

has never been
seen on this Earth.

has never been
seen on this Earth.

NARRATOR: At 2:45
AM on August 6,

NARRATOR: At 2:45
AM on August 6,

NARRATOR: At 2:45
AM on August 6,

Paul Tibbets lifted the
Enola Gay off the runway

Paul Tibbets lifted the
Enola Gay off the runway

on Tinian Island.

on Tinian Island.

PAUL TIBBETS: I thought the
airplane will probably go down

PAUL TIBBETS: I thought the
airplane will probably go down

in history.

in history.

And I wanted to be
sure that, in my mind,

And I wanted to be
sure that, in my mind,

there could be no other B-29
that would have the same name.

there could be no other B-29
that would have the same name.

there could be no other B-29
that would have the same name.

Well, my mother's
name, Enola Gay,

Well, my mother's
name, Enola Gay,

fit the bill, because
I knew there could not

fit the bill, because
I knew there could not

be two Enola Gays.

be two Enola Gays.

NARRATOR: On August 6, 1945 at
8:15 AM, the gun model uranium

NARRATOR: On August 6, 1945 at
8:15 AM, the gun model uranium

bomb Little Boy dropped
from bomb bay doors

bomb Little Boy dropped
from bomb bay doors

of the Enola Gay.

of the Enola Gay.

43 seconds later, the
bomb detonated 1,900 feet

above Hiroshima, with a
force of 12,500 tons of TNT.

above Hiroshima, with a
force of 12,500 tons of TNT.

above Hiroshima, with a
force of 12,500 tons of TNT.

PAUL TIBBETS: I could see a
little bit of Hiroshima down

PAUL TIBBETS: I could see a
little bit of Hiroshima down

there, but I couldn't--

there, but I couldn't--

there was nothing there
but black boiling mess.

there was nothing there
but black boiling mess.

And steam was coming up.

And steam was coming up.

There were bubbles, and that's
the way that thing looked.

There were bubbles, and that's
the way that thing looked.

NARRATOR: 90% of the city was
leveled by the 500 mile an hour

NARRATOR: 90% of the city was
leveled by the 500 mile an hour

NARRATOR: 90% of the city was
leveled by the 500 mile an hour

winds of the blast, which
charred victims' skin 2

winds of the blast, which
charred victims' skin 2

miles away and
incinerated those directly

miles away and
incinerated those directly

beneath the detonation.

beneath the detonation.

PHILIP MORRISON: We
visited the patients.

PHILIP MORRISON: We
visited the patients.

We visited the railroad
platform, which--

We visited the railroad
platform, which--

they had lined up all the people
who are dying of radiation

they had lined up all the people
who are dying of radiation

sickness, maybe 600 or 800--

sickness, maybe 600 or 800--

nothing to be done.

They didn't anything
to work with.

They didn't anything
to work with.

HIROSHI TAKEDA: The small boy--

HIROSHI TAKEDA: The small boy--

I think was a boy--

was bloated [inaudible] couldn't
hardly recognize the face

was bloated [inaudible] couldn't
hardly recognize the face

was bloated [inaudible] couldn't
hardly recognize the face

at all.

[inaudible] mommy,
mommy, water, water.

[inaudible] mommy,
mommy, water, water.

[inaudible] mommy,
mommy, water, water.

[inaudible] mommy,
mommy, water, water.

[inaudible] mommy,
mommy, water, water.

The pitiful, painful cries is
something I'll never forget.

The pitiful, painful cries is
something I'll never forget.

The pitiful, painful cries is
something I'll never forget.

NARRATOR: The
Japanese death toll

NARRATOR: The
Japanese death toll

rose to 130,000 people killed by
the blast and ensuing radiation

rose to 130,000 people killed by
the blast and ensuing radiation

rose to 130,000 people killed by
the blast and ensuing radiation

sickness.

Three days later, a second,
more powerful plutonium bomb,

Three days later, a second,
more powerful plutonium bomb,

Three days later, a second,
more powerful plutonium bomb,

Fat Man, fell on Nagasaki
with similar results.

Fat Man, fell on Nagasaki
with similar results.

Japan surrendered
on August 14, 1945.

Japan surrendered
on August 14, 1945.

GENERAL: Let us pray that peace
be now restored to the world,

GENERAL: Let us pray that peace
be now restored to the world,

GENERAL: Let us pray that peace
be now restored to the world,

and that God will
preserve it always.

and that God will
preserve it always.

NARRATOR: The most catastrophic
war in human history was over.

NARRATOR: The most catastrophic
war in human history was over.

NARRATOR: The most catastrophic
war in human history was over.

MCALLISTER HULL: I figured out
how many of us at Los Alamos

MCALLISTER HULL: I figured out
how many of us at Los Alamos

really knew all
that was going on,

really knew all
that was going on,

and dividing that into
the number of casualties,

and dividing that into
the number of casualties,

I figure that I'm responsible
for 100 or 200 of them.

I figure that I'm responsible
for 100 or 200 of them.

And that's the hard thing
to be responsible for.

And that's the hard thing
to be responsible for.

And that's the hard thing
to be responsible for.

But I've been asked, in
view of that calculation,

But I've been asked, in
view of that calculation,

But I've been asked, in
view of that calculation,

But I've been asked, in
view of that calculation,

would I do it again?

And the answer is yes,
because any new weapon

And the answer is yes,
because any new weapon

And the answer is yes,
because any new weapon

I would want to be given
first to the United States.

I would want to be given
first to the United States.

NARRATOR: The American
atomic weapon monopoly

NARRATOR: The American
atomic weapon monopoly

was short-lived.

was short-lived.

In 1949, the Soviets
detonated an atomic bomb.

In 1949, the Soviets
detonated an atomic bomb.

In 1949, the Soviets
detonated an atomic bomb.

In 1949, the Soviets
detonated an atomic bomb.

During the 1950s,
both superpowers

During the 1950s,
both superpowers

added the hydrogen
bomb to their arsenals

added the hydrogen
bomb to their arsenals

in an attempt to achieve
military superiority.

in an attempt to achieve
military superiority.

in an attempt to achieve
military superiority.

Ultimately, the two would
have tens of thousands

Ultimately, the two would
have tens of thousands

of weapons in their
nuclear arsenals.

of weapons in their
nuclear arsenals.

of weapons in their
nuclear arsenals.

EDWARD TELLER: Progress
cannot be stopped.

EDWARD TELLER: Progress
cannot be stopped.

And we are told
to stop progress.

And we are told
to stop progress.

And we are told
to stop progress.

I am very much afraid
that progress will occur,

I am very much afraid
that progress will occur,

I am very much afraid
that progress will occur,

and will occur in a country
that is less dedicated to peace

and will occur in a country
that is less dedicated to peace

and will occur in a country
that is less dedicated to peace

than we are.

NARRATOR: But Oppenheimer did
not agree that the arms race

NARRATOR: But Oppenheimer did
not agree that the arms race

represented progress.

His opposition to Edward
Teller's hydrogen bomb project

His opposition to Edward
Teller's hydrogen bomb project

His opposition to Edward
Teller's hydrogen bomb project

and questions about his
communist sympathies

and questions about his
communist sympathies

led to the revoking of
his security clearance

led to the revoking of
his security clearance

at a government hearing in 1954.

at a government hearing in 1954.

Teller testified against
his former chief.

Teller testified against
his former chief.

Teller testified against
his former chief.

ROBERT CHRISTY: He
should not have testified

ROBERT CHRISTY: He
should not have testified

against Oppenheimer.

against Oppenheimer.

I think that the whole
proceeding against Oppenheimer

I think that the whole
proceeding against Oppenheimer

was a terrible mistake on
the part of the United States

was a terrible mistake on
the part of the United States

was a terrible mistake on
the part of the United States

government, and I
felt very upset by it,

government, and I
felt very upset by it,

as I think many scientists did.

as I think many scientists did.

And I felt that any
scientist who supported this

And I felt that any
scientist who supported this

was, more or less, doing
exactly the wrong thing.

was, more or less, doing
exactly the wrong thing.

was, more or less, doing
exactly the wrong thing.

NARRATOR: Oppenheimer's career
had been brought to an end,

NARRATOR: Oppenheimer's career
had been brought to an end,

NARRATOR: Oppenheimer's career
had been brought to an end,

but the debate over his
and the Manhattan Project's

but the debate over his
and the Manhattan Project's

contribution to history
was just beginning.

contribution to history
was just beginning.

RICHARD RHODES: If you
graph human deaths from war

RICHARD RHODES: If you
graph human deaths from war

across the last
200 years, you will

across the last
200 years, you will

see an exponential increase
up to 1945, at which point

see an exponential increase
up to 1945, at which point

the line on the graph drops
to about a million a year

the line on the graph drops
to about a million a year

and stays there for the
rest of the century.

and stays there for the
rest of the century.

Clearly, there was a radical
break in international affairs

Clearly, there was a radical
break in international affairs

Clearly, there was a radical
break in international affairs

in 1945, and I think that
break has to be attributed

in 1945, and I think that
break has to be attributed

to this discovery that
scientists made, working

to this discovery that
scientists made, working

to this discovery that
scientists made, working

peacefully in
their laboratories,

trying to understand how
the world really works,

trying to understand how
the world really works,

trying to understand how
the world really works,

rather than how we would
wish that it worked.

rather than how we would
wish that it worked.

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NARRATOR: The question of the
Manhattan Project's legacy,

NARRATOR: The question of the
Manhattan Project's legacy,

NARRATOR: The question of the
Manhattan Project's legacy,

whether the atom bomb, produced
under the strain of war

whether the atom bomb, produced
under the strain of war

by some of the greatest
scientific minds

by some of the greatest
scientific minds

of the last century, should
be seen paradoxically

of the last century, should
be seen paradoxically

as a peacemaker or simply as
a savage destructive weapon

as a peacemaker or simply as
a savage destructive weapon

as a peacemaker or simply as
a savage destructive weapon

remains as polarizing today
as it was 50 years ago.

remains as polarizing today
as it was 50 years ago.

But for some, this
debate is not abstract.

But for some, this
debate is not abstract.

But for some, this
debate is not abstract.

The legacy of August 6,
1945 is far too personal.

The legacy of August 6,
1945 is far too personal.

HIROSHI TAKEDA: Every
year on this day,

HIROSHI TAKEDA: Every
year on this day,

on 8/15, I always
offer prayer in the--

on 8/15, I always
offer prayer in the--

even this morning, tears flow.

even this morning, tears flow.

Everything comes
right back at me.

Everything comes
right back at me.

And of course, I can't
forget all the people

And of course, I can't
forget all the people

that was killed in the bomb.

that was killed in the bomb.

NARRATOR: But perhaps
the most lasting effect

NARRATOR: But perhaps
the most lasting effect

of the Manhattan Project--

of the Manhattan Project--

WILLIAM MARTEL: I can't
recall an event that

WILLIAM MARTEL: I can't
recall an event that

WILLIAM MARTEL: I can't
recall an event that

had such a decisive effect
on American society,

had such a decisive effect
on American society,

or all societies, because
of the first time,

or all societies, because
of the first time,

they faced instant, total,
absolute annihilation,

they faced instant, total,
absolute annihilation,

they faced instant, total,
absolute annihilation,

and one for which the average
citizen and no material way

and one for which the average
citizen and no material way

to intervene to prevent it.

to intervene to prevent it.

It shattered this
sense of security

It shattered this
sense of security

and of confidence
in American society,

and of confidence
in American society,

I think, unlike any other
event in our history.

I think, unlike any other
event in our history.

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