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Narrator: A discovery
that changes the world...
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00:00:04,371 --> 00:00:06,705
Man: A revelation that
the splitting of uranium atoms
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00:00:06,716 --> 00:00:09,958
Contained unfathomable
amounts of energy.
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00:00:09,969 --> 00:00:13,220
Narrator: Promising a time
of limitless possibilities.
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Man: Maybe it will
run our cars,
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Ships, submarines, medicine.
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[explosion]
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Narrator: But one haunted
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By the specter
of nuclear holocaust...
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Man: Once the soviets
got the bomb,
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Then the race was on.
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00:00:27,061 --> 00:00:31,563
Man: This is very, very scary
information for the americans.
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00:00:31,574 --> 00:00:33,565
Narrator: Where secrets
become as crucial
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As the weapons themselves.
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Man: The bomb is the origin
of american secrecy.
16
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Narrator: Hidden stories...
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Man: We would have lost
a significant portion
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Of the east coast
of the united states.
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Narrator:
From a world on the brink
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Of global annihilation...
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Man: Over 600 million dead
from america's weapons alone.
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Man: The idea was,
if it comes to that,
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We just want to
wipe them off the earth.
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Narrator: Now, decades later,
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They can finally be told.
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The atomic age
is being declassified.
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♪
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♪
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October 3, 1995.
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A presidential committee
declassifies a grim report
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Chronicling some of america's
darkest secrets...
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Buried programs
finally brought to light.
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Bill clinton: Thousands of
government-sponsored experiments
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Did take place,
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At hospitals, universities,
and military bases
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Around our nation.
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In too many cases,
informed consent was withheld.
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Narrator: In a world haunted
by the threat of atomic weapons,
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The u.S. Conducts
radiation tests
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On unsuspecting humans.
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Clinton: In one experiment,
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Scientists injected plutonium
into 18 patients
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Without their knowledge.
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And that was wrong.
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Narrator:
The truth went a lot further
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Than medical experiments.
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[explosion]
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Clinton: We have declassified
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Thousands
of government documents,
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Files from the second world war,
51
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The cold war.
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Narrator:
The secret documents laid bare
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The dark truths
of the atomic age,
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When suspicion and paranoia,
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Nuclear anxiety
and anti-communist fervor
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Would justify
the kinds of things
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Clinton's apologizing for now.
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Clinton: So today,
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By making ourselves accountable
for the sins of the past,
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I hope, more than anything else,
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We are laying
the foundation stone
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For a new era.
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Narrator: The old era
began with the atom.
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Alex wellerstein:
Atomic and subatomic physics
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Was the physical problem
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Of the early decades
of the 20th century.
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It was how you got
your nobel prize.
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It was completely where many of
the best and the brightest minds
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Were aimed at.
70
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Narrator: A breakthrough
in the late '30s
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Shocks the scientific world.
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Atomic fission--
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The splitting of atoms.
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But it happens
in the wrong place,
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At the wrong time.
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James hershberg:
Discovery of fission
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In berlin, germany,
of all places,
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In December 1938,
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Couldn't have come
at a worse moment,
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With the world on the brink
of world war ii.
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Narrator: It's a huge
new source of energy.
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Used as a bomb,
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It would be immensely powerful.
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Peter kuznick:
The people in the united states
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Who are most concerned
about this in 1939
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Were the european
émigré physicists
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Who had to escape
from nazi-occupied europe.
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Wellerstein:
They are desperately,
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Desperately afraid of the idea
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Of nazis with nuclear weapons.
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Narrator:
The united states responds
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With a massive project.
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Hershberg: June 1942
94
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Was when fdr put his good old
check mark on a document,
95
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Said okay,
96
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And approved a crash program
to build a bomb
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That a few months later would
turn into the manhattan project.
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Narrator:
Entire cities spring up
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In places like
hanford, washington,
100
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Oak ridge, tennessee,
101
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And los alamos, new mexico,
102
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Where the first
atomic bomb was built.
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Thousands of people,
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Huge industrial forces,
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All working together
under a shroud of secrecy.
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Wellerstein: Much of what
we associate with secrecy,
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The way of doing
security clearances,
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The way of doing
declassification reviews,
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Many of those practices come out
of the atomic bomb project
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And were invented for
the atomic bomb project.
111
00:05:03,420 --> 00:05:05,012
So, it's, in a very real way,
112
00:05:05,088 --> 00:05:09,057
The bomb is the origin
of american secrecy.
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Narrator: Two years
and two billion dollars later,
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The manhattan project succeeds.
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[bomb whistling]
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[rumbling]
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Hershberg: The atomic bomb
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Was dropped on japan,
on hiroshima,
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On August 6, 1945.
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Narrator:
America's nuclear secret is out,
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Surprising the entire world...
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Especially the soviet union,
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Still picking up the pieces
after a devastating war.
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Anton fedyashin:
It's worth remembering
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That the soviet union
loses 27 million citizens,
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Which is a figure unprecedented
in the history of our species.
127
00:06:02,071 --> 00:06:04,404
Narrator: They were
supposed to be allies,
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00:06:04,573 --> 00:06:09,317
But the americans had
developed the bomb in secret.
129
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Fedyashin:
There was a lot of mistrust
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That started
coming out into the open
131
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In the second half of the 1940s,
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And this is what paves the way
for the cold war.
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Narrator:
The soviets see america
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As a growing threat.
135
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Fedyashin: The fear was
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That a nuclear,
an atomic monopoly
137
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In the hands
of the united states
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Would make the world
more unstable.
139
00:06:34,177 --> 00:06:37,938
Narrator: So the soviets
spring their own surprise.
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[explosion]
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Robert standish norris:
On August 29, 1949,
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They demonstrated
the detonation of their weapon,
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And it was a replica,
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00:06:48,617 --> 00:06:52,694
An exact replica
of the american bomb.
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Narrator: It's america's turn
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To be shocked.
147
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Wellerstein: People in
the united states in particular
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Are really worried
that the soviet union
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Is now embarked on this active
expansion campaign
150
00:07:03,874 --> 00:07:08,468
To, by force, impose communism
over the entire globe.
151
00:07:08,595 --> 00:07:10,137
Narrator:
At the turn of the decade,
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Communism is spreading
throughout the world.
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Wellerstein: You have
revolutions in china,
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00:07:16,395 --> 00:07:20,480
You have cracking down
on countries in eastern europe,
155
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You have what looks like
the active spreading
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Of propaganda
and political influence
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By the soviet union.
158
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Kuznick: It looks like
the united states
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Has got to stand up
to the russians
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Because the russians
seemed to be sweeping the table
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At that point.
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Narrator: And now they're
building their own bombs.
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In america,
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The reaction would be an almost
religious determination
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To contain the spread
of communism.
166
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Wellerstein: This period
167
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Really increases
the temperature of the politics
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In the united states.
169
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You have people who become
very hardline anticommunists,
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Who start believing there are
communists everywhere.
171
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And the bomb has a big part
to play in that.
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It raises the stakes,
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And it raises americans'
sense of vulnerability.
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Narrator: It only gets worse
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When they find out
how the soviets got the bomb.
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They had spies inside
the manhattan project itself.
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Kuznick: It was early 1950
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That the british were able
to arrest klaus fuchs.
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Wellerstein: Fuchs was
considered brilliant.
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I mean, he was
considered to have
181
00:08:31,553 --> 00:08:33,127
A virtually photographic memory,
182
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A brilliant theoretical
and mathematical physicist.
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He was so trusted
that he was their babysitter
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When the scientists
would have parties,
185
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And they didn't have any clue
186
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That he was actually giving
everything that he looked at
187
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To the soviet union.
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Narrator:
Klaus fuchs is the first link
189
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In a chain leading to one
of the biggest spy scandals
190
00:08:54,785 --> 00:08:56,910
In american history.
191
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Wellerstein:
Fuchs identifies a man
192
00:08:58,822 --> 00:09:01,414
Who served as his go-between
with the russians,
193
00:09:01,491 --> 00:09:02,999
Named david greenglass.
194
00:09:03,076 --> 00:09:06,744
David greenglass explains that
he was recruited for spying
195
00:09:06,755 --> 00:09:10,498
By his brother-in-law,
julius rosenberg.
196
00:09:10,509 --> 00:09:11,591
Narrator: Julius rosenberg
197
00:09:11,802 --> 00:09:14,594
Has a small machine shop
in the bronx.
198
00:09:14,671 --> 00:09:18,089
He's arrested in July 1950.
199
00:09:18,100 --> 00:09:20,684
His wife, ethel--
david greenglass's sister--
200
00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:23,011
A month later.
201
00:09:23,021 --> 00:09:26,273
Both are members
of the communist party.
202
00:09:26,349 --> 00:09:30,610
Court filings present them
as super-spies.
203
00:09:30,687 --> 00:09:32,028
They refuse to talk,
204
00:09:32,105 --> 00:09:34,522
Pleading the fifth instead.
205
00:09:34,533 --> 00:09:37,442
Wellerstein: The rosenbergs
deny all involvement.
206
00:09:37,452 --> 00:09:40,111
They say this whole thing
is fabricated,
207
00:09:40,122 --> 00:09:42,622
It's just
an anti-communist plot.
208
00:09:42,708 --> 00:09:44,532
Narrator:
They have little chance,
209
00:09:44,543 --> 00:09:47,043
Especially when ethel's brother,
david greenglass,
210
00:09:47,120 --> 00:09:49,954
Testifies against them.
211
00:09:49,965 --> 00:09:53,633
Both are found guilty
and sentenced to death.
212
00:09:53,844 --> 00:09:57,378
Kuznick: When judge kaufman
handed down the death sentence,
213
00:09:57,389 --> 00:09:59,139
He accused the rosenbergs
214
00:09:59,215 --> 00:10:02,300
Of having given
the atomic bomb to russia
215
00:10:02,311 --> 00:10:04,969
And having caused
thousands of american deaths
216
00:10:04,980 --> 00:10:06,471
In the korean war.
217
00:10:06,481 --> 00:10:08,306
It was a crazy charge.
218
00:10:08,317 --> 00:10:09,983
And the europeans
and others reacted
219
00:10:10,060 --> 00:10:12,477
That the united states
was going insane.
220
00:10:15,315 --> 00:10:16,731
Wellerstein:
There were multiple attempts
221
00:10:16,742 --> 00:10:19,734
To plead for
a pardoning or clemency
222
00:10:19,745 --> 00:10:21,819
Or a commutation of sentencing.
223
00:10:21,830 --> 00:10:24,572
All of this was rejected.
224
00:10:24,583 --> 00:10:26,666
Kuznick: And this becomes
a cause célèbre
225
00:10:26,752 --> 00:10:28,335
For the left
in the united states
226
00:10:28,411 --> 00:10:31,421
Because the evidence that was
presented at the trial
227
00:10:31,498 --> 00:10:33,673
Was very flimsy.
228
00:10:33,800 --> 00:10:34,841
Narrator: Both rosenbergs
229
00:10:34,918 --> 00:10:38,094
Maintain their innocence
to the end.
230
00:10:38,171 --> 00:10:39,679
Wellerstein:
Julius and ethel rosenberg
231
00:10:39,756 --> 00:10:43,391
Are executed in sing sing prison
by electric chair.
232
00:10:44,928 --> 00:10:46,936
Narrator: Debate about
their guilt or innocence
233
00:10:47,013 --> 00:10:49,522
Lasts for decades...
234
00:10:52,444 --> 00:10:54,519
Until 1995,
235
00:10:54,529 --> 00:10:56,863
When previously
classified documents
236
00:10:56,940 --> 00:10:59,607
Reveal the prosecution
knew a lot more
237
00:10:59,618 --> 00:11:02,860
Than ever came out in court.
238
00:11:02,871 --> 00:11:04,278
Wellerstein:
During world war ii,
239
00:11:04,289 --> 00:11:05,705
The united states intercepted
240
00:11:05,782 --> 00:11:08,950
A large number
of soviet communications,
241
00:11:08,960 --> 00:11:11,285
And they spent
an immense amount of time
242
00:11:11,296 --> 00:11:14,130
To try and crack these codes.
243
00:11:14,207 --> 00:11:15,790
Narrator:
They were from a spy program
244
00:11:15,801 --> 00:11:18,626
Code-named venona.
245
00:11:18,637 --> 00:11:20,294
Wellerstein: We now know,
246
00:11:20,305 --> 00:11:24,474
We've been able to get access to
those decrypted communications,
247
00:11:24,551 --> 00:11:27,468
And it's pretty clear that
julius rosenberg is a spy.
248
00:11:27,479 --> 00:11:29,637
Narrator: Spies are never
referred to by name
249
00:11:29,648 --> 00:11:32,724
In soviet communications.
250
00:11:32,734 --> 00:11:34,234
Wellerstein:
Julius had a fancy code name
251
00:11:34,310 --> 00:11:36,227
Because he was
an important person.
252
00:11:36,238 --> 00:11:37,987
His code name was "antenna."
253
00:11:38,064 --> 00:11:40,740
Narrator:
Ethel was a different story.
254
00:11:40,817 --> 00:11:45,069
Wellerstein: Ethel is referred
to in the files as "ethel."
255
00:11:45,080 --> 00:11:46,738
That's a sign
that she isn't a spy.
256
00:11:46,748 --> 00:11:48,573
That's a sign that
she's the wife of a spy
257
00:11:48,583 --> 00:11:49,749
Or something like that,
258
00:11:49,826 --> 00:11:51,576
Very minor.
259
00:11:51,586 --> 00:11:53,661
Narrator: Information
from the venona papers
260
00:11:53,672 --> 00:11:55,088
Could have convicted julius,
261
00:11:55,165 --> 00:11:57,415
But exonerated ethel.
262
00:11:57,426 --> 00:11:59,008
Wellerstein:
Here's the thing, though--
263
00:11:59,085 --> 00:12:00,760
The united states
does not want the soviet union
264
00:12:00,971 --> 00:12:02,587
To know that it has
cracked its codes,
265
00:12:02,597 --> 00:12:06,349
So it will never use
that evidence in court.
266
00:12:06,426 --> 00:12:09,269
Narrator: A government secret
deemed so important,
267
00:12:09,345 --> 00:12:13,773
Ethel rosenberg lost her life
to ensure it wasn't divulged.
268
00:12:13,859 --> 00:12:17,268
Kuznick:
Documents released in 2014
269
00:12:17,279 --> 00:12:23,032
Confirm that david greenglass
lied on the stand.
270
00:12:23,109 --> 00:12:26,527
He downplayed
ethel's role initially
271
00:12:26,538 --> 00:12:30,114
And then later accuses her of
having transcribed the documents
272
00:12:30,125 --> 00:12:33,785
And been involved
in a much more fundamental way.
273
00:12:36,623 --> 00:12:39,799
Narrator:
Ethel rosenberg was framed...
274
00:12:39,885 --> 00:12:41,801
By her own brother.
275
00:12:41,928 --> 00:12:43,961
Wellerstein: He later admitted
to perjuring himself,
276
00:12:43,972 --> 00:12:45,638
And the reason he did this
277
00:12:45,715 --> 00:12:48,808
Was because if he got both
julius and ethel implicated,
278
00:12:48,885 --> 00:12:51,853
They would let his wife, ruth,
off the hook.
279
00:12:53,482 --> 00:12:56,816
Narrator: David got off
with a much lighter sentence,
280
00:12:56,893 --> 00:13:00,820
While ruth
was never charged at all.
281
00:13:00,906 --> 00:13:02,405
Wellerstein: There's still
an open question today
282
00:13:02,482 --> 00:13:05,408
About what's the justice
in executing them?
283
00:13:05,485 --> 00:13:07,151
They were spying for an ally.
284
00:13:07,162 --> 00:13:09,412
Klaus fuchs only got
14 years in prison,
285
00:13:09,489 --> 00:13:11,831
And he didn't serve all of them.
286
00:13:11,908 --> 00:13:14,158
Narrator: The secrecy
surrounding the rosenbergs
287
00:13:14,169 --> 00:13:17,829
Still shadows their case today.
288
00:13:17,839 --> 00:13:19,080
Wellerstein: The fact
that the united states
289
00:13:19,090 --> 00:13:20,757
Did not and could not give
290
00:13:20,834 --> 00:13:23,927
The really compelling evidence
on the rosenbergs
291
00:13:24,003 --> 00:13:25,845
Meant that people could
kind of look at it
292
00:13:25,922 --> 00:13:27,680
And see what they wanted to see,
293
00:13:27,757 --> 00:13:28,848
And that further drove
294
00:13:29,017 --> 00:13:32,519
This polarizing politics
of the period.
295
00:13:32,595 --> 00:13:35,647
It's seen as a very dark moment
in the cold war.
296
00:13:38,601 --> 00:13:40,101
[horn honks]
297
00:13:40,111 --> 00:13:42,946
Narrator: By the time julius
and ethel rosenberg are executed
298
00:13:43,022 --> 00:13:45,448
In June 1953,
299
00:13:45,525 --> 00:13:47,450
There's no line
that wouldn't be crossed
300
00:13:47,527 --> 00:13:51,204
In the name
of containing communism
301
00:13:51,281 --> 00:13:53,289
In a country that's convinced
302
00:13:53,366 --> 00:13:55,875
It's better dead than red.
303
00:13:55,952 --> 00:13:57,368
Hershberg:
It wasn't just paranoia.
304
00:13:57,379 --> 00:13:58,795
The soviets were a threat,
305
00:13:58,872 --> 00:14:01,256
But it was clearly
an exaggerated threat.
306
00:14:02,884 --> 00:14:05,710
Narrator: Even the suggestion
of communist activity
307
00:14:05,720 --> 00:14:09,714
Is enough to provoke
a brutal response.
308
00:14:09,724 --> 00:14:10,882
[whistle blowing]
309
00:14:10,892 --> 00:14:11,975
[yelling]
310
00:14:12,051 --> 00:14:13,893
Wellerstein:
You also get the rise
311
00:14:14,062 --> 00:14:15,645
Of senator joseph mccarthy,
312
00:14:15,722 --> 00:14:18,314
Who alleges that there are
innumerable communists
313
00:14:18,391 --> 00:14:21,726
Throughout, embedded in
the united states government.
314
00:14:21,736 --> 00:14:23,152
Joseph mccarthy:
All that senator mccarthy
315
00:14:23,229 --> 00:14:26,322
Has been trying to do
is expose the communists
316
00:14:26,399 --> 00:14:28,908
Who have infiltrated
the department of the army.
317
00:14:28,994 --> 00:14:30,910
A very small percentage.
318
00:14:31,037 --> 00:14:32,579
Fedyashin: In the united states,
319
00:14:32,655 --> 00:14:36,916
You see the evolution
of this fear of penetration
320
00:14:37,085 --> 00:14:38,251
In the american public,
321
00:14:38,328 --> 00:14:42,580
Which really paves the way
for mccarthyism.
322
00:14:42,591 --> 00:14:45,249
Wellerstein: And it's just
a very dangerous, ugly time
323
00:14:45,260 --> 00:14:47,335
In american politics.
324
00:14:47,345 --> 00:14:50,847
Narrator: No one seems
to know who to trust,
325
00:14:50,924 --> 00:14:53,433
So they trust no one.
326
00:14:53,509 --> 00:14:56,177
Kuznick: The americans
become obsessed with secrecy
327
00:14:56,187 --> 00:14:59,180
In a way
we had never been before.
328
00:14:59,190 --> 00:15:00,598
J. Edgar hoover:
We ask every citizen
329
00:15:00,609 --> 00:15:03,434
To immediately report
any information
330
00:15:03,445 --> 00:15:07,447
Regarding espionage, sabotage,
or un-american activities.
331
00:15:07,523 --> 00:15:09,115
Kuznick: It becomes an obsession
332
00:15:09,192 --> 00:15:11,776
For j. Edgar hoover, the fbi,
333
00:15:11,786 --> 00:15:13,703
And the congressional
investigators.
334
00:15:13,780 --> 00:15:15,955
They begin
to question the loyalty
335
00:15:16,166 --> 00:15:18,249
Of people like
robert oppenheimer.
336
00:15:20,036 --> 00:15:22,712
Narrator:
J. Robert oppenheimer,
337
00:15:22,789 --> 00:15:24,872
The man who led
the manhattan project
338
00:15:24,883 --> 00:15:27,208
At los alamos.
339
00:15:27,218 --> 00:15:28,551
Wellerstein:
J. Robert oppenheimer
340
00:15:28,628 --> 00:15:31,462
Was an american
theoretical physicist
341
00:15:31,473 --> 00:15:33,806
And was considered
extremely brilliant
342
00:15:33,883 --> 00:15:35,224
From a very young age.
343
00:15:36,061 --> 00:15:37,477
Narrator: With the war over,
344
00:15:37,553 --> 00:15:39,887
The future of the american
nuclear program
345
00:15:39,898 --> 00:15:42,565
Is up for debate.
346
00:15:42,642 --> 00:15:45,393
Conflicts arise
between oppenheimer
347
00:15:45,403 --> 00:15:47,820
And a former
friend and colleague,
348
00:15:47,897 --> 00:15:50,231
One of the world's
leading physicists--
349
00:15:50,241 --> 00:15:52,900
Edward teller.
350
00:15:52,911 --> 00:15:56,904
Wellerstein: Teller became
a major advocate for building
351
00:15:56,915 --> 00:15:58,498
Not just nuclear weapons,
352
00:15:58,574 --> 00:16:00,491
But thermonuclear weapons.
353
00:16:00,502 --> 00:16:02,660
This is a weapon
that was imagined as being
354
00:16:02,671 --> 00:16:05,129
Easily a thousand times
more powerful.
355
00:16:06,666 --> 00:16:10,009
Narrator:
Oppenheimer isn't convinced.
356
00:16:10,220 --> 00:16:12,336
And he wasn't alone.
357
00:16:12,347 --> 00:16:15,014
Hershberg: Some of
the scientists who opposed it--
358
00:16:15,141 --> 00:16:16,265
Most importantly,
359
00:16:16,342 --> 00:16:19,102
The general advisory committee
360
00:16:19,178 --> 00:16:21,771
To the u.S.
Atomic energy commission...
361
00:16:21,848 --> 00:16:27,184
They unanimously voted against
building the hydrogen bomb.
362
00:16:27,195 --> 00:16:28,277
Several of its members said,
363
00:16:28,354 --> 00:16:29,687
"this is a weapon
364
00:16:29,698 --> 00:16:32,189
That's too large
for any military target.
365
00:16:32,200 --> 00:16:35,276
It would constitute
a weapon of genocide.
366
00:16:35,286 --> 00:16:38,371
It would be evil."
367
00:16:38,448 --> 00:16:40,289
Narrator:
Teller becomes the h-bomb's
368
00:16:40,366 --> 00:16:43,367
Most outspoken champion.
369
00:16:43,378 --> 00:16:45,286
Wellerstein: He felt that
if the soviet union, especially,
370
00:16:45,296 --> 00:16:46,454
Got the atomic bomb,
371
00:16:46,464 --> 00:16:48,047
Then the proper response
372
00:16:48,124 --> 00:16:49,549
Was to get the hydrogen bomb
in the united states,
373
00:16:49,625 --> 00:16:51,718
That you always had to stay
one step ahead.
374
00:16:51,794 --> 00:16:54,128
He eventually came to see
anybody who stood in the way
375
00:16:54,139 --> 00:16:56,630
Of progress in
nuclear weapons development
376
00:16:56,641 --> 00:16:58,850
As potentially being traitorous.
377
00:17:02,221 --> 00:17:05,064
Narrator: Teller teams up
with lewis strauss,
378
00:17:05,150 --> 00:17:08,642
Powerful chairman of
the atomic energy commission
379
00:17:08,653 --> 00:17:12,563
And another aggressive supporter
of the h-bomb.
380
00:17:12,574 --> 00:17:15,825
Kuznick: Strauss was
particularly bitter
381
00:17:15,902 --> 00:17:18,736
Toward oppenheimer.
382
00:17:18,747 --> 00:17:21,989
Oppenheimer had no respect
for strauss.
383
00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:25,659
Oppenheimer even ridiculed him.
384
00:17:25,670 --> 00:17:28,171
Narrator: Teller and strauss
decide that oppenheimer
385
00:17:28,247 --> 00:17:32,592
Can no longer be trusted with
america's nuclear secrets.
386
00:17:32,668 --> 00:17:34,093
Wellerstein:
This is a conspiracy.
387
00:17:34,170 --> 00:17:35,928
There is an active conspiracy
388
00:17:36,005 --> 00:17:39,348
Between people
like strauss, teller,
389
00:17:39,425 --> 00:17:42,426
Several other
scientists as well.
390
00:17:42,437 --> 00:17:44,103
Narrator:
They get a chance to act
391
00:17:44,180 --> 00:17:46,606
When a letter reaches
president eisenhower,
392
00:17:46,682 --> 00:17:50,434
Accusing oppenheimer
of being a soviet agent.
393
00:17:50,445 --> 00:17:51,861
Wellerstein: Oppenheimer's past
394
00:17:51,938 --> 00:17:54,697
Is starting to become
a major liability.
395
00:17:54,774 --> 00:17:57,617
In the 1930s,
he became very active
396
00:17:57,693 --> 00:18:01,037
In sort of far-left
communist causes.
397
00:18:01,114 --> 00:18:02,455
Kuznick: We don't know for sure
398
00:18:02,532 --> 00:18:04,123
If oppenheimer himself
was in the communist party,
399
00:18:04,292 --> 00:18:05,708
But everybody around him,
400
00:18:05,785 --> 00:18:08,536
Including his wife, his brother,
his brother's wife,
401
00:18:08,546 --> 00:18:10,296
All of his graduate students,
402
00:18:10,373 --> 00:18:12,465
They were all
in the communist party.
403
00:18:12,542 --> 00:18:16,043
Narrator: Eisenhower revokes
his security clearance.
404
00:18:16,054 --> 00:18:19,472
In response,
oppenheimer demands a hearing.
405
00:18:19,549 --> 00:18:21,557
Wellerstein: The hearing
is not supposed to be a trial,
406
00:18:21,634 --> 00:18:23,717
But it plays out
a lot like a trial.
407
00:18:23,728 --> 00:18:26,145
It's very adversarial.
408
00:18:26,314 --> 00:18:27,480
It turns out to be
409
00:18:27,557 --> 00:18:30,641
A really awful experience
for oppenheimer.
410
00:18:30,652 --> 00:18:32,819
Every decision he made,
411
00:18:32,895 --> 00:18:35,146
Every failure
he had in his life,
412
00:18:35,156 --> 00:18:37,731
The fact that he had
mistresses and affairs,
413
00:18:37,742 --> 00:18:41,160
The fact that he had lied
to security officers...
414
00:18:41,246 --> 00:18:43,162
All of this comes out.
415
00:18:43,248 --> 00:18:46,415
Narrator: Teller is one
of the last to testify.
416
00:18:46,492 --> 00:18:48,084
Kuznick: Teller says
417
00:18:48,161 --> 00:18:52,004
That he would rather see
somebody else in that position,
418
00:18:52,081 --> 00:18:56,175
And he basically says
he doesn't trust oppenheimer.
419
00:18:56,252 --> 00:18:57,918
Narrator: After 19 days,
420
00:18:57,929 --> 00:19:01,180
The commission
announces its decision.
421
00:19:01,257 --> 00:19:02,682
Wellerstein: Though they do say
422
00:19:02,758 --> 00:19:05,184
That they don't have any
evidence that he was a spy
423
00:19:05,261 --> 00:19:06,269
And they don't
really have any evidence
424
00:19:06,345 --> 00:19:08,187
That he was disloyal,
425
00:19:08,264 --> 00:19:12,066
What they eventually conclude
was he's unreliable at times.
426
00:19:14,362 --> 00:19:16,028
Narrator:
His clearance revoked,
427
00:19:16,105 --> 00:19:19,323
Oppenheimer is forced
into scientific exile.
428
00:19:21,027 --> 00:19:24,495
He lives out his life
a broken man.
429
00:19:29,210 --> 00:19:30,367
But it turns out
430
00:19:30,378 --> 00:19:34,213
The deck was stacked
against oppenheimer.
431
00:19:34,424 --> 00:19:37,216
A series of crucial
declassifications
432
00:19:37,343 --> 00:19:40,469
Reveal what really happened.
433
00:19:40,546 --> 00:19:45,391
His defense team had
their hands tied from the start.
434
00:19:45,468 --> 00:19:47,801
Without the necessary
security clearance,
435
00:19:47,812 --> 00:19:52,231
They couldn't even review many
of the charges against him.
436
00:19:52,358 --> 00:19:54,058
They were removed from the room
437
00:19:54,068 --> 00:19:58,237
When the prosecution presented
classified evidence.
438
00:19:58,323 --> 00:20:02,316
They were also being wiretapped.
439
00:20:02,327 --> 00:20:04,243
May 2009.
440
00:20:04,329 --> 00:20:07,830
Notebooks made with special
access to kgb archives
441
00:20:07,907 --> 00:20:09,832
Are released,
442
00:20:09,909 --> 00:20:12,493
Confirming that oppenheimer
was never involved
443
00:20:12,503 --> 00:20:16,330
In soviet espionage.
444
00:20:16,341 --> 00:20:19,508
Wellerstein:
It wasn't until 2014 or so
445
00:20:19,585 --> 00:20:21,260
That the department of energy
446
00:20:21,337 --> 00:20:23,346
Re-looked
at all of these hearings
447
00:20:23,422 --> 00:20:25,181
And decided
what could be released,
448
00:20:25,258 --> 00:20:28,676
And the answer is everything
can be released at this point.
449
00:20:28,686 --> 00:20:31,679
Narrator: The October 2014
declassification
450
00:20:31,689 --> 00:20:33,681
Was the biggest of all--
451
00:20:33,691 --> 00:20:38,277
19 volumes of transcripts
from the hearing,
452
00:20:38,446 --> 00:20:39,779
Much of which
would have supported
453
00:20:39,855 --> 00:20:43,199
Oppenheimer's public claims
of innocence.
454
00:20:45,444 --> 00:20:46,777
Wellerstein:
Oppenheimer was shattered
455
00:20:46,788 --> 00:20:49,538
By the whole experience
of the hearing
456
00:20:49,615 --> 00:20:52,783
And its consequences.
457
00:20:52,794 --> 00:20:58,038
He ended up sort of retiring
to an island in the caribbean
458
00:20:58,049 --> 00:21:01,133
And essentially
drinking himself to death.
459
00:21:01,210 --> 00:21:03,460
Narrator: For many,
he is another example
460
00:21:03,471 --> 00:21:07,223
Of an innocent victim
of the red scare.
461
00:21:07,300 --> 00:21:09,550
Wellerstein:
He became really a martyr.
462
00:21:09,560 --> 00:21:11,802
He became a symbol
of a muzzle on people,
463
00:21:11,813 --> 00:21:16,315
A sort of punishment
for their political positions.
464
00:21:16,392 --> 00:21:18,309
Narrator:
As anti-communist politics
465
00:21:18,319 --> 00:21:20,987
Continue to dominate america,
466
00:21:21,063 --> 00:21:23,314
The country embraces
teller's vision
467
00:21:23,324 --> 00:21:25,658
Of its nuclear future.
468
00:21:25,735 --> 00:21:29,328
The device he first called
"the super,"
469
00:21:29,414 --> 00:21:30,830
The h-bomb.
470
00:21:30,906 --> 00:21:34,158
[explosion]
471
00:21:34,168 --> 00:21:36,160
Beginning in 1952,
472
00:21:36,170 --> 00:21:40,339
The u.S. Films dozens
of thermonuclear tests,
473
00:21:40,416 --> 00:21:46,253
Studying the frightening power
of the h-bomb.
474
00:21:46,264 --> 00:21:49,256
These images were only
recently declassified.
475
00:21:49,267 --> 00:21:51,592
[explosion]
476
00:21:51,602 --> 00:21:54,511
America has built
the most destructive weapon
477
00:21:54,522 --> 00:21:56,647
The world has ever seen.
478
00:21:58,443 --> 00:22:01,235
Is it prepared to use it?
479
00:22:07,118 --> 00:22:08,534
In the 1950s,
480
00:22:08,611 --> 00:22:12,863
The u.S. Nuclear arsenal
expands at an astonishing rate,
481
00:22:12,874 --> 00:22:15,791
From 50 weapons
at the start of the decade
482
00:22:15,868 --> 00:22:19,536
To 12,000 at the end.
483
00:22:19,547 --> 00:22:21,797
The official policy
is that we have them
484
00:22:21,874 --> 00:22:25,209
So that we don't
have to use them.
485
00:22:25,219 --> 00:22:27,303
But in 2015,
486
00:22:27,380 --> 00:22:29,055
A declassified battle plan shows
487
00:22:29,131 --> 00:22:32,725
That it wasn't
all defensive posturing.
488
00:22:32,802 --> 00:22:36,970
Here's how america planned
to fight world war iii.
489
00:22:36,981 --> 00:22:38,647
Norris: You just can't
leave these weapons around.
490
00:22:38,724 --> 00:22:41,892
You have to plan for their use,
491
00:22:41,903 --> 00:22:44,570
And there was,
at the end of the eisenhower
492
00:22:44,647 --> 00:22:47,573
And the beginning of
the kennedy administrations,
493
00:22:47,650 --> 00:22:52,495
The creation of
real nuclear war plans.
494
00:22:52,571 --> 00:22:56,573
These war plans
are highly secret.
495
00:22:56,584 --> 00:22:58,075
Narrator:
"the strategic air command
496
00:22:58,086 --> 00:23:01,420
Atomic weapons requirements
study for 1959"
497
00:23:01,589 --> 00:23:03,422
Is the most complete
u.S. Battle plan
498
00:23:03,508 --> 00:23:05,916
Ever declassified.
499
00:23:05,927 --> 00:23:08,001
Kuznick:
The most frightening thing
500
00:23:08,012 --> 00:23:09,336
Is the assumption
501
00:23:09,347 --> 00:23:11,847
That any war between
the united states and russia
502
00:23:11,924 --> 00:23:16,352
Is gonna go nuclear
almost immediately.
503
00:23:16,429 --> 00:23:17,511
Narrator: Sac's plan?
504
00:23:17,522 --> 00:23:19,438
Respond with nukes.
505
00:23:19,607 --> 00:23:21,440
Lots of them.
506
00:23:21,609 --> 00:23:22,850
Kuznick: The american policy
507
00:23:22,860 --> 00:23:26,353
Was to shoot off
our entire arsenal at once.
508
00:23:26,364 --> 00:23:29,523
Not a graduated
step-by-step escalation,
509
00:23:29,534 --> 00:23:31,325
But to shoot it all off
at once.
510
00:23:32,537 --> 00:23:34,528
Narrator:
The 800-page battle plan
511
00:23:34,539 --> 00:23:37,206
Breaks down
into two types of targets--
512
00:23:37,283 --> 00:23:39,041
Military installations...
513
00:23:39,118 --> 00:23:40,626
Wellerstein:
You do strategic bombing
514
00:23:40,703 --> 00:23:43,838
To destroy the enemy's
ability to wage war.
515
00:23:45,550 --> 00:23:48,625
And this means
you hit the military bases
516
00:23:48,636 --> 00:23:52,379
And their airfields
and things like that.
517
00:23:52,390 --> 00:23:54,548
Narrator: And what the report
euphemistically calls
518
00:23:54,559 --> 00:23:57,634
"urban-industrial complexes."
519
00:23:57,645 --> 00:23:59,219
Wellerstein:
But it also means destroying
520
00:23:59,230 --> 00:24:02,481
Their entire industrial
infrastructure as well,
521
00:24:02,558 --> 00:24:04,483
And that means
destroying cities.
522
00:24:04,560 --> 00:24:06,310
Narrator: Targets include
523
00:24:06,320 --> 00:24:10,156
Major population centers
spread across china,
524
00:24:10,232 --> 00:24:11,815
The soviet union,
525
00:24:11,826 --> 00:24:13,901
And eastern europe,
526
00:24:13,911 --> 00:24:17,738
With moscow
at the top of the list.
527
00:24:17,748 --> 00:24:21,083
Over a thousand in all.
528
00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:22,501
Wellerstein: There's probably
going to be a lot of fallout
529
00:24:22,578 --> 00:24:24,912
That will go onto
your allies as well.
530
00:24:24,922 --> 00:24:27,506
The idea was you could destroy
the entire soviet union
531
00:24:27,583 --> 00:24:30,092
Within three to ten hours or so.
532
00:24:30,169 --> 00:24:32,678
And so the hope was,
maybe you'd lose europe,
533
00:24:32,755 --> 00:24:35,005
But united states would survive.
534
00:24:35,016 --> 00:24:36,340
Narrator:
The battle plan assumes
535
00:24:36,350 --> 00:24:39,927
The civilian population
will be hit hard
536
00:24:39,937 --> 00:24:43,013
To destroy the enemy's
will to fight.
537
00:24:43,024 --> 00:24:46,099
Wellerstein: The u.S. Government
has not liked to acknowledge
538
00:24:46,110 --> 00:24:47,943
That many of
its targeting policies
539
00:24:48,020 --> 00:24:49,945
Would have huge
civilian casualties.
540
00:24:50,022 --> 00:24:53,524
It's not typically the policy
of the government to say
541
00:24:53,534 --> 00:24:54,533
We target civilians directly.
542
00:24:54,619 --> 00:24:56,693
That's sort of like a war crime.
543
00:24:56,704 --> 00:24:58,862
Narrator:
As the plan gets updated,
544
00:24:58,873 --> 00:25:02,958
It still includes
massive collateral damage.
545
00:25:03,035 --> 00:25:05,127
Wellerstein: The internal
government estimates
546
00:25:05,204 --> 00:25:09,548
For how many soviet citizens
would die in this kind of thing
547
00:25:09,717 --> 00:25:12,551
Are, you know,
hundreds of millions.
548
00:25:12,762 --> 00:25:15,554
It's a huge number.
549
00:25:15,631 --> 00:25:19,049
Kuznick: Over 600 million dead
from america's weapons alone.
550
00:25:19,060 --> 00:25:24,137
That doesn't even account
for any soviet retaliation.
551
00:25:24,148 --> 00:25:26,732
Narrator:
The cold, brutal calculations
552
00:25:26,809 --> 00:25:29,860
That will obliterate
huge parts of the planet.
553
00:25:31,155 --> 00:25:33,822
Were we really ready
to push the button?
554
00:25:35,401 --> 00:25:39,653
It's all there in any of
that era's battle plans.
555
00:25:39,664 --> 00:25:42,823
America,
leader of the free world,
556
00:25:42,833 --> 00:25:45,409
Is prepared to destroy it.
557
00:25:45,419 --> 00:25:47,586
Wellerstein: The idea was,
if it comes to that,
558
00:25:47,663 --> 00:25:49,588
We just want to
wipe them off the earth
559
00:25:49,715 --> 00:25:51,248
And be done with it,
560
00:25:51,259 --> 00:25:55,168
And we'll have to deal with
the consequences of that.
561
00:25:55,179 --> 00:25:56,845
Man: If north america
is under attack
562
00:25:56,922 --> 00:26:00,591
By a hostile force
of manned bombers,
563
00:26:00,601 --> 00:26:02,601
It would, as you have just seen,
564
00:26:02,678 --> 00:26:06,605
Be subjected to a continuous,
intensively devastating attack,
565
00:26:06,816 --> 00:26:08,357
From as far out as possible,
566
00:26:08,434 --> 00:26:11,110
With every type of lethal weapon
in our air defense arsenal.
567
00:26:11,186 --> 00:26:12,519
[explosion]
568
00:26:12,530 --> 00:26:14,863
Narrator:
If there is a third world war,
569
00:26:14,940 --> 00:26:16,615
There won't be
winners and losers
570
00:26:16,742 --> 00:26:18,784
In the traditional sense.
571
00:26:18,861 --> 00:26:20,369
And most likely,
572
00:26:20,446 --> 00:26:24,623
Nobody left for either side
to negotiate with.
573
00:26:24,792 --> 00:26:26,792
Mutually assured destruction
574
00:26:26,869 --> 00:26:30,212
Becomes the atomic age's
most infamous doctrine--
575
00:26:30,289 --> 00:26:33,716
One the world hopes
will never be put into action.
576
00:26:41,050 --> 00:26:42,883
Many scientists still think
577
00:26:42,893 --> 00:26:45,477
That there might be
more peaceful possibilities
578
00:26:45,554 --> 00:26:47,980
For the atomic age.
579
00:26:48,057 --> 00:26:49,315
Kuznick: From the beginning,
580
00:26:49,391 --> 00:26:52,142
Many of the scientists
had a dream
581
00:26:52,153 --> 00:26:55,654
That nuclear power would
be used for beneficial purposes,
582
00:26:55,731 --> 00:26:57,823
For life-affirming purposes,
583
00:26:57,900 --> 00:27:00,901
Not just for
destructive purposes.
584
00:27:00,911 --> 00:27:02,569
Wellerstein:
A lot of the scientists
585
00:27:02,580 --> 00:27:03,746
Who worked on this
586
00:27:03,822 --> 00:27:07,666
Saw it as being potentially
extremely useful
587
00:27:07,752 --> 00:27:10,160
For medicine, for research,
588
00:27:10,171 --> 00:27:14,665
For even changing
food production.
589
00:27:14,675 --> 00:27:16,592
They were hoping--
590
00:27:16,669 --> 00:27:18,677
Almost hoping against hope--
591
00:27:18,763 --> 00:27:22,181
That this wouldn't just be used
for exterminating cities.
592
00:27:23,759 --> 00:27:25,425
Narrator:
In December 1946,
593
00:27:25,436 --> 00:27:28,845
The first successful treatment
of a patient with thyroid cancer
594
00:27:28,856 --> 00:27:30,764
Using a radioisotope
595
00:27:30,775 --> 00:27:33,067
Is reported in medical journals.
596
00:27:35,354 --> 00:27:39,272
Isotopes are created
from nuclear reactions.
597
00:27:39,283 --> 00:27:41,441
Announcer: Capturing
the atom's probing power,
598
00:27:41,452 --> 00:27:43,952
Science has found
a powerful new tool
599
00:27:44,029 --> 00:27:46,038
To study and defeat sickness
600
00:27:46,115 --> 00:27:48,040
And make a healthier,
happier life
601
00:27:48,117 --> 00:27:50,584
For the benefit of all mankind.
602
00:27:52,380 --> 00:27:53,954
Narrator:
Many other atomic plans
603
00:27:53,964 --> 00:27:56,131
Border on science fiction.
604
00:27:56,208 --> 00:27:59,635
Wellerstein: Some of these ideas
are relatively modest.
605
00:27:59,712 --> 00:28:04,056
Some of them are completely,
in retrospect, outlandish.
606
00:28:04,133 --> 00:28:05,465
Kuznick: We were going to
reroute rivers.
607
00:28:05,476 --> 00:28:08,051
We were going to
change mountain ranges.
608
00:28:08,062 --> 00:28:10,804
We were going to change
the surface of the earth.
609
00:28:10,815 --> 00:28:14,808
We even had plans to change
the direction of hurricanes
610
00:28:14,819 --> 00:28:16,226
By dropping hydrogen bombs
611
00:28:16,237 --> 00:28:18,737
Alongside
the eye of the hurricane.
612
00:28:18,814 --> 00:28:19,988
Narrator:
Some of the wildest ideas
613
00:28:20,065 --> 00:28:22,825
Come close to being approved,
614
00:28:22,901 --> 00:28:25,402
Like an artificial harbor
in alaska
615
00:28:25,413 --> 00:28:28,747
To be excavated
with five detonations.
616
00:28:28,958 --> 00:28:36,255
[explosions]
617
00:28:36,331 --> 00:28:39,591
Wellerstein: Project orion
would use thermonuclear weapons
618
00:28:39,668 --> 00:28:41,427
To accelerate a spaceship.
619
00:28:44,098 --> 00:28:47,591
Announcer: The technology needed
to build a nuclear rocket
620
00:28:47,601 --> 00:28:49,926
Is well advanced.
621
00:28:49,937 --> 00:28:51,520
Nuclear rocket propulsion
622
00:28:51,597 --> 00:28:56,016
Will expand our ability
to explore space.
623
00:28:56,026 --> 00:28:57,768
Narrator: In the beginning,
624
00:28:57,778 --> 00:29:01,280
The promises for atomic science
were out of this world.
625
00:29:01,356 --> 00:29:02,781
[explosion]
626
00:29:02,908 --> 00:29:07,194
But the reality
quickly crashes back to earth.
627
00:29:07,204 --> 00:29:08,787
Wellerstein: On the whole,
it isn't the thing
628
00:29:08,864 --> 00:29:12,532
Where everybody has, you know,
a nuclear pill that they take
629
00:29:12,543 --> 00:29:14,710
And it cures them
of all their diseases.
630
00:29:14,787 --> 00:29:16,036
But these things
are what happen
631
00:29:16,046 --> 00:29:18,789
When you get
very creative people and say,
632
00:29:18,799 --> 00:29:21,800
"find a use for this
that isn't just killing people."
633
00:29:24,638 --> 00:29:26,722
Narrator: But the real
spending and progress
634
00:29:26,799 --> 00:29:28,548
On nuclear technology
635
00:29:28,559 --> 00:29:31,477
Continues to be powered
by the military--
636
00:29:31,553 --> 00:29:33,479
Often in secret.
637
00:29:34,899 --> 00:29:35,898
Announcer:
Even the atom may release
638
00:29:35,974 --> 00:29:38,066
Its giant strength for aircraft.
639
00:29:38,143 --> 00:29:39,818
The atomic energy commission,
640
00:29:39,945 --> 00:29:41,820
The air force,
and general electric
641
00:29:41,897 --> 00:29:44,731
Are already cooperating
on an atomic power plant
642
00:29:44,742 --> 00:29:47,818
For an aircraft
to be built by convair.
643
00:29:47,828 --> 00:29:49,495
Narrator: The air force
commissions a project
644
00:29:49,571 --> 00:29:52,748
To build the world's first
nuclear-powered plane.
645
00:29:54,168 --> 00:29:57,961
Details of the propulsion system
are classified.
646
00:30:00,090 --> 00:30:02,666
September 1955.
647
00:30:02,676 --> 00:30:06,253
A specially adapted
convair xb-36h bomber
648
00:30:06,263 --> 00:30:10,006
Rolls out
for its first flight...
649
00:30:10,017 --> 00:30:15,011
With a fully functioning
nuclear reactor on board.
650
00:30:15,022 --> 00:30:17,981
It's the first
of 47 test flights.
651
00:30:19,434 --> 00:30:20,692
Although active,
652
00:30:20,769 --> 00:30:23,946
The reactor never provides
power to the engines.
653
00:30:25,440 --> 00:30:26,865
In 1961,
654
00:30:26,942 --> 00:30:29,451
The project
is scrapped for good.
655
00:30:31,789 --> 00:30:36,542
But there were still high hopes
for nuclear propulsion systems.
656
00:30:36,618 --> 00:30:38,794
They just weren't in the sky.
657
00:30:42,708 --> 00:30:45,217
Announcer: This is the story
of the nautilus,
658
00:30:45,294 --> 00:30:47,886
The world's first
atomic-powered submarine
659
00:30:47,963 --> 00:30:52,799
And the world's first use of
nuclear fission for propulsion.
660
00:30:52,810 --> 00:30:54,643
Narrator: In June 1952,
661
00:30:54,720 --> 00:30:56,979
President truman
characterizes nautilus
662
00:30:57,055 --> 00:31:00,315
As a breakthrough event
for nuclear science.
663
00:31:00,392 --> 00:31:03,643
Harry truman: This ship will be
something new in the world.
664
00:31:03,654 --> 00:31:05,571
The heat in her boilers
will be created
665
00:31:05,647 --> 00:31:08,031
By the same force
that heats the sun.
666
00:31:09,827 --> 00:31:11,568
Narrator:
Converting a fission reaction
667
00:31:11,579 --> 00:31:12,736
Into propulsion
668
00:31:12,746 --> 00:31:15,706
Marked a milestone
in atomic science.
669
00:31:18,994 --> 00:31:20,493
The nautilus, in theory,
670
00:31:20,504 --> 00:31:24,590
Could cruise around the world
without refueling,
671
00:31:24,666 --> 00:31:28,552
Powered by a lump of uranium
the size of a golf ball.
672
00:31:31,849 --> 00:31:33,173
The u.S. Publicly touts it
673
00:31:33,183 --> 00:31:36,268
As the most advanced sub
of its day.
674
00:31:37,771 --> 00:31:40,430
But the details
of its real breakthrough,
675
00:31:40,441 --> 00:31:42,682
Nuclear-powered propulsion,
676
00:31:42,693 --> 00:31:44,684
Are highly classified,
677
00:31:44,695 --> 00:31:46,361
Then and now.
678
00:31:48,282 --> 00:31:50,282
Announcer:
On April 25, 1958,
679
00:31:50,359 --> 00:31:52,200
The nautilus departed
her home port
680
00:31:52,277 --> 00:31:53,952
Of new london, connecticut.
681
00:31:54,029 --> 00:31:59,699
Destination--the pacific,
by way of the panama canal.
682
00:31:59,710 --> 00:32:03,587
Narrator: It begins a mission
code-named operation sunshine.
683
00:32:06,300 --> 00:32:08,717
In late July,
it reaches hawaii,
684
00:32:08,794 --> 00:32:12,304
And the naval base
at pearl harbor.
685
00:32:12,381 --> 00:32:15,223
What happens next
is so top-secret,
686
00:32:15,300 --> 00:32:17,476
It's known to only
the ship's crew,
687
00:32:17,552 --> 00:32:19,978
A few high-ranking
navy officials,
688
00:32:20,147 --> 00:32:22,389
And the president.
689
00:32:22,399 --> 00:32:25,058
Officially, nautilus
will sail south first,
690
00:32:25,069 --> 00:32:26,893
To the equator,
691
00:32:26,904 --> 00:32:29,154
Then on to panama.
692
00:32:29,231 --> 00:32:33,659
Instead, she submerges
and heads north
693
00:32:33,735 --> 00:32:35,652
On a three-week journey.
694
00:32:38,490 --> 00:32:40,999
Announcer:
Unseen, beneath the sea,
695
00:32:41,076 --> 00:32:42,668
The nautilus journeyed north,
696
00:32:42,744 --> 00:32:44,920
To the edge
of the arctic ice-pack.
697
00:32:44,997 --> 00:32:47,005
Then, under.
698
00:32:47,082 --> 00:32:50,250
The voyage to the north pole
was underway.
699
00:32:50,260 --> 00:32:52,085
Narrator: The nautilus
is attempting to become
700
00:32:52,096 --> 00:32:56,932
The first vessel to sail
under the north pole.
701
00:32:57,009 --> 00:33:00,343
The proposed route has them
traveling up the bering sea,
702
00:33:00,354 --> 00:33:01,937
Under the pole,
703
00:33:02,014 --> 00:33:04,180
And emerging at greenland.
704
00:33:04,191 --> 00:33:05,273
Announcer:
All hands on the nautilus
705
00:33:05,350 --> 00:33:07,693
Knew their destination
706
00:33:07,769 --> 00:33:11,863
And the perilous route they were
to follow in reaching it.
707
00:33:11,940 --> 00:33:16,276
Above, a continent of ice
covering the arctic sea.
708
00:33:16,286 --> 00:33:21,039
And ahead, 1,800 miles
of cold, watery darkness.
709
00:33:22,626 --> 00:33:26,119
Narrator: Running blind
in the cold, dark depths,
710
00:33:26,130 --> 00:33:27,537
The nautilus clears
711
00:33:27,548 --> 00:33:30,957
A vast uncharted
underwater mountain range,
712
00:33:30,968 --> 00:33:33,209
Reaches deep water again,
713
00:33:33,220 --> 00:33:36,221
And closes in
on the top of the world.
714
00:33:37,966 --> 00:33:41,309
Captain: All hands,
this is the captain speaking.
715
00:33:41,386 --> 00:33:44,971
In a few moments,
nautilus will realize a goal
716
00:33:44,982 --> 00:33:48,391
Long sought by those
who have sailed the seas--
717
00:33:48,402 --> 00:33:52,070
The attaining of the north pole.
718
00:33:52,281 --> 00:33:58,827
8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1...
719
00:33:58,904 --> 00:34:00,653
Mark.
720
00:34:00,664 --> 00:34:03,081
For the usa and the u.S. Navy,
721
00:34:03,208 --> 00:34:04,666
The north pole.
722
00:34:06,170 --> 00:34:07,994
Narrator: 36 hours later,
723
00:34:08,005 --> 00:34:09,829
The sub surfaces,
724
00:34:09,840 --> 00:34:12,090
And america
quickly tells the world
725
00:34:12,167 --> 00:34:14,176
About operation sunshine.
726
00:34:16,004 --> 00:34:20,098
The u.S. Trumpets it
as a scientific miracle.
727
00:34:20,175 --> 00:34:24,102
Announcer:
Nautilus had made history.
728
00:34:24,179 --> 00:34:25,353
The men of the nautilus
729
00:34:25,430 --> 00:34:27,847
Had blazed a trail
under the arctic pack
730
00:34:27,858 --> 00:34:30,266
Which reduced the distance
from the orient to europe
731
00:34:30,277 --> 00:34:31,985
By almost half.
732
00:34:33,197 --> 00:34:34,613
Narrator: But the soviet union
733
00:34:34,689 --> 00:34:37,783
Gets a very different message.
734
00:34:37,859 --> 00:34:42,028
America has put a submarine
on its doorstep--
735
00:34:42,039 --> 00:34:46,541
A sub that may soon carry
nuclear missiles.
736
00:34:46,618 --> 00:34:48,034
Announcer: At once
a formidable fighting ship
737
00:34:48,045 --> 00:34:50,703
And a forerunner
of commercial atomic power,
738
00:34:50,714 --> 00:34:53,957
The nautilus heralds a new era
of the atomic age.
739
00:34:53,967 --> 00:35:00,380
♪
740
00:35:00,390 --> 00:35:01,548
Narrator:
The need to demonstrate
741
00:35:01,558 --> 00:35:03,809
The ability to strike the enemy
742
00:35:03,885 --> 00:35:06,978
Will become a hallmark
of the cold war.
743
00:35:07,055 --> 00:35:14,144
♪
744
00:35:14,154 --> 00:35:15,987
April 1962.
745
00:35:16,064 --> 00:35:19,991
John kennedy's popularity
hits an all-time high,
746
00:35:20,068 --> 00:35:24,162
With many citing his firm hand
with the soviets.
747
00:35:24,239 --> 00:35:25,831
That October,
748
00:35:25,907 --> 00:35:29,918
He'll face the ultimate test
of the atomic age.
749
00:35:29,995 --> 00:35:33,672
Kuznick: Khrushchev decided
he could both protect cuba
750
00:35:33,748 --> 00:35:36,416
And restore
some of the imbalance
751
00:35:36,426 --> 00:35:37,750
In nuclear capabilities
752
00:35:37,761 --> 00:35:41,680
If he puts nuclear weapons
into cuba.
753
00:35:41,756 --> 00:35:43,673
Narrator:
The cuban missile crisis.
754
00:35:43,684 --> 00:35:47,519
Soviet ships carrying nukes
approach the island,
755
00:35:47,596 --> 00:35:50,597
Just 100 miles
off the florida coast.
756
00:35:50,607 --> 00:35:55,935
Kuznick: It was a reckless,
foolhardy, crazy thing to do.
757
00:35:55,946 --> 00:35:58,613
John kennedy: It shall be
the policy of this nation
758
00:35:58,690 --> 00:36:02,358
To regard any nuclear missile
launched from cuba
759
00:36:02,369 --> 00:36:05,036
Against any nation
in the western hemisphere
760
00:36:05,113 --> 00:36:09,291
As an attack by the soviet union
on the united states,
761
00:36:09,367 --> 00:36:12,452
Requiring a full
retaliatory response
762
00:36:12,462 --> 00:36:14,129
Upon the soviet union.
763
00:36:15,624 --> 00:36:18,041
Narrator: As the world
watches and waits,
764
00:36:18,051 --> 00:36:20,627
Even the american president
is unaware
765
00:36:20,637 --> 00:36:23,963
Of the two greatest dangers
he's facing--
766
00:36:23,974 --> 00:36:27,809
Two secrets that won't
be revealed for decades...
767
00:36:27,886 --> 00:36:31,471
Two stories of how close
the world really came
768
00:36:31,481 --> 00:36:33,723
To all-out nuclear war.
769
00:36:33,734 --> 00:36:36,902
[roaring]
770
00:36:36,978 --> 00:36:39,404
♪
771
00:36:39,481 --> 00:36:42,073
October 1962.
772
00:36:42,150 --> 00:36:46,328
Soviet ships carrying missiles
approach cuba.
773
00:36:46,404 --> 00:36:49,331
U.S. Forces are at defcon 2,
774
00:36:49,407 --> 00:36:52,408
The highest state of alert ever.
775
00:36:52,419 --> 00:36:55,086
The next step, defcon 1--
776
00:36:55,163 --> 00:36:56,579
A shooting war.
777
00:36:56,590 --> 00:37:00,091
Kuznick:
Kennedy declares a blockade,
778
00:37:00,168 --> 00:37:01,676
Which is also an act of war,
779
00:37:01,753 --> 00:37:03,511
But he calls it a quarantine
780
00:37:03,588 --> 00:37:07,766
In order to make it seem
a little more palatable.
781
00:37:07,842 --> 00:37:10,435
Narrator:
More than 230 american warships
782
00:37:10,512 --> 00:37:13,271
Spread out along
the sea lanes into cuba,
783
00:37:13,440 --> 00:37:16,274
Awaiting the soviet response.
784
00:37:16,351 --> 00:37:19,018
It will become
one of the most famous moments
785
00:37:19,029 --> 00:37:20,487
Of the cold war.
786
00:37:22,491 --> 00:37:24,524
But it wasn't until 1992
787
00:37:24,534 --> 00:37:26,859
That we found out
the official version
788
00:37:26,870 --> 00:37:30,038
Wasn't the whole story.
789
00:37:30,115 --> 00:37:31,289
Kuznick: The soviet ships
790
00:37:31,500 --> 00:37:33,950
Are heading toward
the quarantine line.
791
00:37:33,961 --> 00:37:36,619
A sub, accompanying
some of those ships,
792
00:37:36,630 --> 00:37:39,289
Is spotted by
the american cruisers
793
00:37:39,299 --> 00:37:41,299
And destroyers.
794
00:37:41,468 --> 00:37:42,625
Narrator: The american ships
795
00:37:42,636 --> 00:37:44,877
Start dropping
special depth charges,
796
00:37:44,888 --> 00:37:47,555
About the size of grenades.
797
00:37:47,632 --> 00:37:49,132
Wellerstein: The soviets think
798
00:37:49,142 --> 00:37:51,309
That the united states
is trying to sink them,
799
00:37:51,386 --> 00:37:53,636
That this is
the beginning of the war.
800
00:37:53,647 --> 00:37:57,232
Why else would we be
attacking a military vessel?
801
00:37:57,309 --> 00:37:59,475
They didn't realize
that our protocol
802
00:37:59,486 --> 00:38:02,654
For a destroyer
to make a sub surface
803
00:38:02,731 --> 00:38:05,407
Is to drop sort of
mock depth charges on it,
804
00:38:05,483 --> 00:38:06,899
Not trying to kill it,
805
00:38:06,910 --> 00:38:10,069
But to signal to it
in a very rough way
806
00:38:10,080 --> 00:38:12,831
That they should surface.
807
00:38:12,907 --> 00:38:17,335
Narrator: We now know
that was almost a fatal mistake.
808
00:38:17,412 --> 00:38:19,078
Kuznick:
The americans had no idea
809
00:38:19,089 --> 00:38:21,664
That they had
nuclear weapons on board.
810
00:38:21,675 --> 00:38:23,750
Narrator: Or that the sub's
three senior officers
811
00:38:23,760 --> 00:38:27,587
Had the authority
to launch those nukes.
812
00:38:27,597 --> 00:38:30,932
But only if the decision
was unanimous.
813
00:38:31,009 --> 00:38:33,009
Kuznick:
The soviets' commander
814
00:38:33,020 --> 00:38:36,187
Gives the order to launch
the nuclear torpedo.
815
00:38:36,264 --> 00:38:37,847
Wellerstein: One of the other
high-ranking officers
816
00:38:37,858 --> 00:38:39,265
Says, "ok, that sounds good,"
817
00:38:39,276 --> 00:38:41,276
And then the last
high-ranking officer,
818
00:38:41,353 --> 00:38:42,518
A guy named arkapov,
819
00:38:42,529 --> 00:38:44,863
Says "no, we're not
gonna do that.
820
00:38:44,939 --> 00:38:47,357
I will not approve of that."
821
00:38:47,367 --> 00:38:48,366
That's how close it comes.
822
00:38:48,493 --> 00:38:50,693
One vote, one person.
823
00:38:50,704 --> 00:38:53,538
Narrator: Another of
the cold war's biggest what-ifs.
824
00:38:53,615 --> 00:38:54,956
Kuznick: Had that happened,
825
00:38:55,033 --> 00:38:56,949
They would have
taken out the u.S. Fleet,
826
00:38:56,960 --> 00:38:59,118
The u.S. Would have
definitely taken out cuba,
827
00:38:59,129 --> 00:39:01,921
But very likely would have
taken out the soviet union.
828
00:39:03,541 --> 00:39:05,383
Narrator:
That wasn't the only near miss
829
00:39:05,460 --> 00:39:08,211
We didn't know about.
830
00:39:08,221 --> 00:39:10,630
Aerial reconnaissance
had brought back evidence
831
00:39:10,640 --> 00:39:13,308
Of missile site preparation
in cuba.
832
00:39:15,470 --> 00:39:16,886
If operational,
833
00:39:16,897 --> 00:39:20,273
They could strike almost
anywhere in the united states.
834
00:39:22,527 --> 00:39:23,651
In response,
835
00:39:23,728 --> 00:39:26,479
American military leaders
urge kennedy
836
00:39:26,490 --> 00:39:29,824
To authorize an attack
on mainland cuba.
837
00:39:31,486 --> 00:39:37,165
Kuznick: The military leaders
want to bomb the missile sites
838
00:39:37,242 --> 00:39:41,086
And invade and overthrow
the cuban government.
839
00:39:41,162 --> 00:39:42,670
Kennedy resists.
840
00:39:44,925 --> 00:39:46,749
Narrator:
In the days that follow,
841
00:39:46,760 --> 00:39:50,261
An american u-2 spy plane
is shot down,
842
00:39:50,338 --> 00:39:53,598
And u.S. Troops
are ready for invasion.
843
00:39:55,519 --> 00:39:58,010
After a 13-day standoff,
844
00:39:58,021 --> 00:40:02,440
Kennedy and khrushchev
strike a deal.
845
00:40:02,651 --> 00:40:03,933
It's over.
846
00:40:03,944 --> 00:40:06,694
The soviets pack up their nukes
and go home.
847
00:40:12,193 --> 00:40:13,359
History records it
848
00:40:13,370 --> 00:40:17,113
As president kennedy's
finest hour--
849
00:40:17,124 --> 00:40:19,365
The day he stood up
to the soviets,
850
00:40:19,376 --> 00:40:21,367
Kept nukes out of cuba,
851
00:40:21,378 --> 00:40:23,711
And saved the world.
852
00:40:23,788 --> 00:40:26,714
But as so often
in the atomic age,
853
00:40:26,791 --> 00:40:31,127
Declassified secrets
tell a very different story.
854
00:40:31,138 --> 00:40:33,546
Wellerstein: The biggest myth
of the cuban missile crisis
855
00:40:33,557 --> 00:40:35,965
That was common
for decades and decades
856
00:40:35,976 --> 00:40:38,801
Is that the united states
stopped the soviet union
857
00:40:38,812 --> 00:40:41,646
From putting
nuclear weapons on cuba.
858
00:40:41,723 --> 00:40:43,306
It was not until the 1990s
859
00:40:43,316 --> 00:40:45,817
That we found out that we had
not stopped them,
860
00:40:45,894 --> 00:40:48,978
That there were already
nuclear weapons on the island.
861
00:40:48,989 --> 00:40:52,815
Narrator: Smaller short-range
tactical nuclear missiles.
862
00:40:52,826 --> 00:40:54,492
Battlefield nukes.
863
00:40:54,619 --> 00:40:56,736
Wellerstein: There were several
operational missiles
864
00:40:56,746 --> 00:40:58,488
Already ready to go
865
00:40:58,498 --> 00:41:00,331
That would have been used
if the united states
866
00:41:00,408 --> 00:41:03,576
Had attempted
a military invasion of cuba.
867
00:41:03,587 --> 00:41:05,587
Kuznick: Mcnamara,
when he heard that,
868
00:41:05,663 --> 00:41:07,914
He turned white.
869
00:41:07,924 --> 00:41:10,175
Narrator:
Because as secretary of defense,
870
00:41:10,251 --> 00:41:13,261
Robert mcnamara knows
how close america came
871
00:41:13,338 --> 00:41:15,763
To invading cuba.
872
00:41:15,840 --> 00:41:17,840
Wellerstein: But if we had
actually done that,
873
00:41:17,851 --> 00:41:19,517
We would have
certainly gotten into
874
00:41:19,594 --> 00:41:20,927
At least a limited nuclear war,
875
00:41:20,937 --> 00:41:22,687
And that easily
could have sped out of control
876
00:41:22,764 --> 00:41:25,190
Into a much larger nuclear war.
877
00:41:25,266 --> 00:41:27,016
Narrator:
Those thirteen days in October
878
00:41:27,027 --> 00:41:29,777
Brought us even closer
than we ever thought
879
00:41:29,854 --> 00:41:32,447
To nuclear war.
880
00:41:32,524 --> 00:41:35,617
What we didn't know
almost killed us.
881
00:41:35,693 --> 00:41:37,202
Fedyashin:
The cuban missile crisis
882
00:41:37,278 --> 00:41:38,620
Was a great example
883
00:41:38,696 --> 00:41:43,115
Of how a hair-trigger decision
by a submarine captain
884
00:41:43,126 --> 00:41:47,879
Or a battery defense unit
on the island of cuba
885
00:41:47,956 --> 00:41:51,207
Could have precipitated
a full-out conflict,
886
00:41:51,218 --> 00:41:54,552
Potentially
with a nuclear exchange,
887
00:41:54,721 --> 00:41:56,295
Which, thank god,
never happened.
888
00:41:58,633 --> 00:42:02,477
Narrator: When you're always
prepared for a nuclear attack,
889
00:42:02,554 --> 00:42:06,973
It means you're always
on the brink of world war iii.
890
00:42:06,983 --> 00:42:11,486
And all it takes is one mistake
for it to start.
891
00:42:15,659 --> 00:42:19,235
January 24, 1961.
892
00:42:19,246 --> 00:42:21,829
275 miles
south of washington,
893
00:42:21,906 --> 00:42:24,165
In faro, north carolina,
894
00:42:24,242 --> 00:42:27,585
A u.S. Air force b-52
declares an emergency.
895
00:42:27,754 --> 00:42:29,170
[beeping]
896
00:42:29,247 --> 00:42:33,591
It carries two 4-megaton
thermonuclear bombs.
897
00:42:33,668 --> 00:42:35,835
H-bombs.
898
00:42:35,845 --> 00:42:38,346
260 times the explosive force
899
00:42:38,423 --> 00:42:41,849
Of the bomb
that destroyed hiroshima.
900
00:42:41,926 --> 00:42:43,601
The plane
is part of an operation
901
00:42:43,687 --> 00:42:46,604
Code-named chrome dome.
902
00:42:46,681 --> 00:42:49,932
Announcer: This, our country
and all its people,
903
00:42:49,943 --> 00:42:52,694
Could be in danger
of nuclear attack--
904
00:42:52,770 --> 00:42:55,446
In minutes by enemy missiles;
905
00:42:55,523 --> 00:42:58,774
In hours by enemy aircraft.
906
00:42:58,785 --> 00:43:01,193
To avoid surprise disaster,
907
00:43:01,204 --> 00:43:05,623
Some of our aircraft must always
be in the sky or on the alert,
908
00:43:05,792 --> 00:43:08,710
Carrying nuclear weapons.
909
00:43:08,786 --> 00:43:13,047
Narrator: It's one of up to 12
b-52s carrying nuclear payloads
910
00:43:13,124 --> 00:43:16,301
That are in the air
at all times,
911
00:43:16,377 --> 00:43:21,213
Ready for the order
to strike the soviet union.
912
00:43:21,224 --> 00:43:24,809
Norris: They would fly up to
the borders of the soviet union,
913
00:43:24,886 --> 00:43:28,137
And turn around and come back.
914
00:43:28,148 --> 00:43:31,390
Narrator: The plan works
to keep the soviets on edge.
915
00:43:31,401 --> 00:43:33,401
Wellerstein: But there's
a certain number of hours
916
00:43:33,478 --> 00:43:34,652
You can fly a bomber
917
00:43:34,729 --> 00:43:36,562
Before you're gonna
expect it to crash.
918
00:43:36,573 --> 00:43:37,905
[explosion]
919
00:43:37,982 --> 00:43:41,409
Narrator: Crashed bombers
with nuclear payloads.
920
00:43:41,486 --> 00:43:43,328
Lost nukes.
921
00:43:43,404 --> 00:43:47,239
It happens often enough,
there's a name for it.
922
00:43:47,250 --> 00:43:48,666
Norris:
The phrase "broken arrow"
923
00:43:48,743 --> 00:43:51,327
Has to do with
a nuclear weapon accident.
924
00:43:51,338 --> 00:43:54,080
To be a broken arrow,
it has to...
925
00:43:54,090 --> 00:43:56,758
It's a pretty serious accident.
926
00:43:58,252 --> 00:44:01,846
Narrator: January 17, 1966.
927
00:44:01,923 --> 00:44:03,756
Palomares, Spain.
928
00:44:03,767 --> 00:44:05,683
A small fishing village
and beach town
929
00:44:05,760 --> 00:44:09,178
On the mediterranean coast.
930
00:44:09,189 --> 00:44:12,273
An american b-52
carrying four h-bombs
931
00:44:12,350 --> 00:44:15,693
Collides with a tanker
at 29,000 feet
932
00:44:15,820 --> 00:44:18,104
And breaks up in mid-air.
933
00:44:18,114 --> 00:44:20,365
Norris: A strategic
air command bomber
934
00:44:20,441 --> 00:44:21,699
Filled with bombs
935
00:44:21,776 --> 00:44:23,025
Dropped the weapons,
936
00:44:23,036 --> 00:44:24,527
Some which landed on land
937
00:44:24,537 --> 00:44:28,197
And one that went
into the mediterranean.
938
00:44:28,208 --> 00:44:31,450
Narrator: The official line
is that a plane has crashed
939
00:44:31,461 --> 00:44:35,546
And spread hazardous material
on the ground.
940
00:44:35,623 --> 00:44:37,623
In fact, as the press finds out,
941
00:44:37,634 --> 00:44:41,719
A nuclear weapon is missing
somewhere in the mediterranean.
942
00:44:41,796 --> 00:44:42,887
Reporter:
Cruisers and destroyers
943
00:44:42,964 --> 00:44:44,305
With sonar equipment
944
00:44:44,382 --> 00:44:45,973
Have been trying to locate
the lost bomb
945
00:44:46,050 --> 00:44:47,892
And also
screening the approaches
946
00:44:47,969 --> 00:44:50,720
Against enemy spies.
947
00:44:50,730 --> 00:44:54,890
Narrator: It takes two months
just to find the sunken weapon.
948
00:44:54,901 --> 00:44:59,320
A mini-sub eventually
hauls it to the surface.
949
00:44:59,397 --> 00:45:01,897
It was intact,
950
00:45:01,908 --> 00:45:06,318
But two of the other three bombs
actually exploded.
951
00:45:06,329 --> 00:45:09,080
They became
accidental "dirty bombs,"
952
00:45:09,157 --> 00:45:13,209
Spreading traces of toxic
plutonium dust for miles.
953
00:45:15,255 --> 00:45:18,831
American troops remove
truckloads of contaminated dirt
954
00:45:18,842 --> 00:45:21,008
For months.
955
00:45:21,085 --> 00:45:22,760
Norris: And this still goes on.
956
00:45:22,887 --> 00:45:25,763
I mean, I think we're still
bringing back soil from Spain
957
00:45:25,932 --> 00:45:30,977
That is laden with plutonium
that's a serious health hazard.
958
00:45:32,522 --> 00:45:35,773
Narrator: At least
all four bombs were recovered.
959
00:45:35,850 --> 00:45:38,776
Some broken arrows
are never found.
960
00:45:38,853 --> 00:45:40,778
Kuznick: There was
another incident in 1968
961
00:45:40,947 --> 00:45:42,354
In thule, greenland,
962
00:45:42,365 --> 00:45:46,192
Which, again,
nuclear bombs were dropped.
963
00:45:46,202 --> 00:45:47,452
Narrator: A crippled b-52
964
00:45:47,528 --> 00:45:49,287
Patrolling near
the arctic circle
965
00:45:49,363 --> 00:45:52,039
Is attempting
an emergency landing.
966
00:45:52,116 --> 00:45:54,542
The crew of seven bails out.
967
00:45:54,619 --> 00:45:56,210
One dies.
968
00:45:56,287 --> 00:45:59,005
The plane crashes
onto the sea-ice.
969
00:46:01,876 --> 00:46:04,385
There's no nuclear detonation.
970
00:46:04,462 --> 00:46:05,470
But once again,
971
00:46:05,546 --> 00:46:07,880
The impact,
conventional explosion,
972
00:46:07,891 --> 00:46:09,298
And resulting fire
973
00:46:09,309 --> 00:46:12,894
Create the effect
of a dirty bomb,
974
00:46:12,970 --> 00:46:17,064
Spreading
radioactive material for miles.
975
00:46:17,141 --> 00:46:20,643
Cleanup crews
battle a frozen wasteland.
976
00:46:20,653 --> 00:46:24,489
Average temperature--
negative 40 degrees fahrenheit.
977
00:46:26,409 --> 00:46:28,400
Crews work around the clock
978
00:46:28,411 --> 00:46:30,828
To remove a quarter
of a million cubic feet
979
00:46:31,039 --> 00:46:32,997
Of contaminated ice and snow
980
00:46:33,074 --> 00:46:35,374
Before it melts into the sea.
981
00:46:38,046 --> 00:46:39,837
The military claims
all four nukes
982
00:46:40,006 --> 00:46:42,006
Are recovered
at the crash site.
983
00:46:44,761 --> 00:46:46,844
But a 2008 report alleges
984
00:46:46,921 --> 00:46:50,431
That one of the bombs
still lies on the sea floor.
985
00:46:56,347 --> 00:47:00,525
Closer to home,
in January 1961,
986
00:47:00,601 --> 00:47:02,026
In north carolina,
987
00:47:02,103 --> 00:47:04,937
A b-52 attempting
an emergency landing
988
00:47:04,948 --> 00:47:07,606
Never makes it back to base.
989
00:47:07,617 --> 00:47:10,442
Wellerstein: This bomber sort of
disintegrates into the air,
990
00:47:10,453 --> 00:47:12,370
It sorts of breaks apart
very violently,
991
00:47:12,446 --> 00:47:16,958
And these two weapons are sort
of flung out of the bomber bay.
992
00:47:18,369 --> 00:47:20,211
Narrator:
Pieces of the bomber rain down
993
00:47:20,288 --> 00:47:23,881
Onto the small
farming town of faro.
994
00:47:23,967 --> 00:47:28,719
One bomb floats to earth
after its parachute deploys.
995
00:47:28,796 --> 00:47:30,805
The other crashes into a field.
996
00:47:32,633 --> 00:47:34,308
The pentagon
claims neither weapon
997
00:47:34,385 --> 00:47:36,602
Was ever in danger
of exploding.
998
00:47:38,648 --> 00:47:41,399
But a 2013
freedom of information request
999
00:47:41,475 --> 00:47:42,900
Reveals that one of the weapons
1000
00:47:42,977 --> 00:47:46,821
Had virtually completed
the arming sequence.
1001
00:47:46,898 --> 00:47:48,063
Wellerstein: This bomb
1002
00:47:48,074 --> 00:47:50,658
Actually attempted
to arm itself and fire.
1003
00:47:50,735 --> 00:47:53,819
It went through all--just a very
set of freak accidents,
1004
00:47:53,830 --> 00:47:55,237
And fortunately didn't.
1005
00:47:55,248 --> 00:47:56,914
Narrator:
One switch like this one,
1006
00:47:56,991 --> 00:47:58,324
Out of four,
1007
00:47:58,334 --> 00:48:00,910
Prevents a nuclear disaster.
1008
00:48:00,920 --> 00:48:03,921
Kuznick: If that other
small switch didn't hold,
1009
00:48:03,998 --> 00:48:06,424
Then that nuclear bomb
would have detonated.
1010
00:48:06,500 --> 00:48:08,751
We would have lost
a significant portion
1011
00:48:08,761 --> 00:48:12,847
Of the east coast
of the united states.
1012
00:48:12,924 --> 00:48:15,850
Narrator:
When its chute doesn't open,
1013
00:48:15,927 --> 00:48:17,935
The second bomb
slams into the ground,
1014
00:48:18,012 --> 00:48:21,939
Sinking more than 150 feet deep.
1015
00:48:22,066 --> 00:48:25,943
It takes three days
of frantic digging to find it.
1016
00:48:26,070 --> 00:48:28,779
Wellerstein: They found that
its switch was armed.
1017
00:48:28,856 --> 00:48:29,947
So if that one switch
1018
00:48:30,024 --> 00:48:31,857
Had been in the other bomb
at that time,
1019
00:48:31,868 --> 00:48:34,452
The bomb would have
completely, legitimately
1020
00:48:34,528 --> 00:48:38,197
Thought that it was
ready to explode.
1021
00:48:38,207 --> 00:48:40,950
Narrator: The military
removes the nuclear fuel
1022
00:48:40,960 --> 00:48:43,285
At the bomb's core.
1023
00:48:43,296 --> 00:48:47,214
But the uranium trigger
is never located.
1024
00:48:47,291 --> 00:48:49,884
A nuclear detonator
is still buried
1025
00:48:49,961 --> 00:48:52,219
In that north carolina field.
1026
00:48:56,142 --> 00:48:59,477
In 1968, operation chrome dome,
1027
00:48:59,553 --> 00:49:02,229
Keeping nukes in the air 24-7,
1028
00:49:02,306 --> 00:49:03,981
Is abandoned.
1029
00:49:04,058 --> 00:49:05,474
[explosion]
1030
00:49:05,485 --> 00:49:10,488
To date, the u.S. Military
admits to 32 broken arrows.
1031
00:49:10,564 --> 00:49:14,241
Information about 21
has been declassified.
1032
00:49:14,318 --> 00:49:17,161
11 remain top-secret.
1033
00:49:17,238 --> 00:49:20,206
[explosion]
1034
00:49:23,077 --> 00:49:25,336
November 9, 1989.
1035
00:49:25,413 --> 00:49:27,630
The berlin wall falls.
1036
00:49:29,258 --> 00:49:32,668
Many hope five decades
of paranoia and suspicion
1037
00:49:32,679 --> 00:49:34,753
Crumble with it.
1038
00:49:34,764 --> 00:49:36,839
Norris: There was
great joy and enthusiasm
1039
00:49:36,849 --> 00:49:40,685
That perhaps
the cold war would be over.
1040
00:49:40,761 --> 00:49:42,511
The russians weren't coming,
1041
00:49:42,522 --> 00:49:46,023
Which had been a rationale
all along through the decades.
1042
00:49:46,100 --> 00:49:48,025
Narrator: With the fall
of the soviet union,
1043
00:49:48,152 --> 00:49:53,022
The atomic age's hidden stories
are finally being declassified,
1044
00:49:53,032 --> 00:49:54,365
And americans are finding out
1045
00:49:54,442 --> 00:49:58,035
What we were willing to do
to fight the cold war
1046
00:49:58,162 --> 00:50:00,037
And protect our secrets.
1047
00:50:00,114 --> 00:50:02,873
Wellerstein: In the 1990s,
after the cold war ended,
1048
00:50:02,950 --> 00:50:05,042
Many americans
had a sort of reckoning
1049
00:50:05,119 --> 00:50:06,869
With what had happened.
1050
00:50:06,879 --> 00:50:10,539
How did we get to the state
of almost killing ourselves off?
1051
00:50:10,550 --> 00:50:12,049
How did we get to the state
1052
00:50:12,126 --> 00:50:14,051
Of having tens of thousands
of nuclear weapons?
1053
00:50:14,220 --> 00:50:16,962
How did we get into a place
of having all these secrets
1054
00:50:16,973 --> 00:50:20,299
About doing things that seemed
not just anti-american,
1055
00:50:20,309 --> 00:50:23,719
But, you know,
unethical by any standard?
1056
00:50:23,730 --> 00:50:26,063
Narrator:
The obsession with secrecy,
1057
00:50:26,274 --> 00:50:28,065
Born with the bomb,
1058
00:50:28,234 --> 00:50:31,560
Is a legacy of the atomic age.
1059
00:50:31,571 --> 00:50:35,314
America still keeps its secrets.
1060
00:50:35,324 --> 00:50:38,993
Which ones are we keeping now?
1061
00:50:39,070 --> 00:50:40,161
Clinton: I saw this
1062
00:50:40,237 --> 00:50:43,405
As an indispensable
part of our effort
1063
00:50:43,416 --> 00:50:46,834
To restore the confidence
of the american people
1064
00:50:46,911 --> 00:50:48,836
In the integrity
of their government--
1065
00:50:48,913 --> 00:50:50,504
That, at the very least,
1066
00:50:50,581 --> 00:50:52,423
They could trust
the united states government
1067
00:50:52,500 --> 00:50:55,885
To tell the truth
and to do the right things.
91209
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