This declaration of concern, written after the United States bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, offers insight into the Manhattan Project, an atomic development program led by the United States. The “Preliminary Statement of the Association of Manhattan District Scientists” emphasizes the need to control atomic weaponry and acknowledge the consequences of its use. The scientists warn of the havoc that nuclear weapons could wreak if not handled with extreme care and consideration. They also stressed their “very special responsibility to the people of America . . . because of our special awareness of the possibilities of atomic energy for the advance of our civilization or its utter destruction.”
A heavily edited draft of the statement was found among the photographs and personal accounts of Mildred Goldberg, a Manhattan Project secretary. Goldberg unknowingly became a key contributor to the development of the atomic bomb as she typed out and organized the scientists’ notes. She described a pleasant work environment and expressed glowing admiration of the men she worked for—including Irving Kaplan, Francis Bonner, Andre J. De Bethune, William Nierenberg, and Howard Levi. This statement’s significance weighs even more heavily when one considers that this warning was written during a time when policies controlling the development of atomic energy were in their infancy.
Answer the following questions after reading and analyzing the document.
- At a successful test of an atomic device just prior to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a leading American scientist quoted a Hindu text: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” How did his expression compare with the statement issued a few months later by the Manhattan District scientists?
- What arguments did the scientists put forward in favor of full disclosure and transparency rather than continued secret research and development?
- Defensive measures were mentioned in the document. To what extent have any of these recommendations been followed? How realistic were these recommendations?
1. The Hindu statement and the Manhattan District scientists' statement about the atomic bomb both directly state that detonating the bomb will have catastrophic consequences although the Manhattan District scientists' also suggest that despite the deleterious effects, the bomb could advance society.
ReplyDelete2. The scientists argued that even if the U.S.'s atomic was kept secret, other countries would still develop their own atomic bombs. They also argued that the secrecy of the atomic bomb hindered their research because they could not fully exchange knowledge and information to improve the bomb.
3. Despite the negative effects of dropping the atomic bomb, President Truman made the militaristic decision to drop the bomb. Dropping the bomb resulted in the end of WWII.
1. The leading American scientist felt a sense of guilt because he created a weapon, which he knew would have extreme consequences, and believed that he sent thousands of people to their deaths. The scientist could also be referring to the fact that this bomb could be used, not only in Japan, but also in future warring countries if other scientist discovered ways to make the atomic bomb, as stated in the document, and thus started the end of the world.
ReplyDelete2. The “secret” of the atomic bomb was not a secret, as stated by the scientists in the document. The atomic bomb was already publicized and other scientists around the world could figure out the ways of making an atomic bomb with a little persistence, so secret research and development was already pointless.
3. The document states that the atomic bomb could advance our civilization; however, it could also destroy it. The scientists also say that without careful planning using the bomb would result in many casualties. The president took into consideration that this could both help and hurt the world when he decided it would be acceptable to bomb Japan and also this document provided warning, so no the recommendations were not followed. However these recommendations could be realistic to whoever viewed it because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
1. The scientists is acknowledging that the atomic bomb is capable of such destruction, and The Manhattan District scientists warns the government of the destruction the atomic bomb is capable of doing.
ReplyDelete2. They argued the creation of the atomic bomb is no secret and that other nations will soon learn how to create one whether the U.S. keeps it a secret or not. They also argued that secrecy opposed the principles of healthy scientific progress.
3. The recommendations for defensive measures were followed considerably since the U.S. didn't actually bomb any other countries, but they still continued to develop them as well as other very destructive bombs. These recommendations were realistic to the extent of handling the bombs with extreme care and consideration.
1) It reflects the concern of the scientists that the development of atomic bombs will wreck through destruction of the world.
ReplyDelete2) 1- It will allow other scientists to also help develop the bomb. 2- It’s not really a secret that they’re making bombs anyway.
3) The United States kept any information about the atomic bomb from other countries. It was good to keep the information secret so that the world will not collapse into chaos and war.
1) It reflects the concern of the scientists that the development of atomic bombs will wreck through destruction of the world.
ReplyDelete2) 1- It will allow other scientists to also help develop the bomb. 2- It’s not really a secret that they’re making bombs anyway.
3) The United States kept any information about the atomic bomb from other countries. It was good to keep the information secret so that the world will not collapse into chaos and war.
1. After the bombing of the Japanese cities, which caused unimaginable destruction and thousands of deaths, the scientists truly understood that this new weapon had to be handled with extreme care. They understood that they did in fact have "the destroyer of worlds" at their fingertips.
ReplyDelete2. If handled correctly, nuclear energy could "advance civilization" in ways the world had not yet imagined in terms of industry and military. If handled incorrectly, the bombs could be the cause of mass destruction. Also, keeping it a secret would only hinder the American progress of the nuclear weapons. Scientists openly shared information, and other nations would soon have nuclear plants, whether or not the U.S. kept its a secret.
3. The scientists suggest that the bombs must be handled with great care by the government. It must always be discussed in detail as to whether or not to use the bombs in a situation. Scientists should not try to be secretive about their work, as that will only raise the suspicions of other nations. These recommendations were realistic, but not all of them were followed. The secrecy continued, which played a role in the arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. However, President Truman weighed heavily about using the bomb on Japan to end WWII, so that was a reasonable future suggestion.
1. It highlights the dangerous power now held by scientists with the “know how” for atomic weaponry.
ReplyDelete2. For one, there is no atomic secret; everyone knows, and even if they didn’t, they’d soon have their own “atomic secret” because any scientist could figure it out. Moreover, secrecy discourages scientific advancement and was only necessary because the U.S. didn’t its enemies getting any ideas.
3. The stress on the danger of the atomic bomb seems to have worked because the last time the U.S. has used one was at Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Some things in science are secretive, but likely only to the percentage of the public that doesn’t look for new scientific developments on the magazine rack. The recommendations are very reasonable: only the truly responsible should have power to control the use of atomic weapons to prevent total world destruction because of an angry politician, scientists should collaborate and stay informed with other scientific endeavors to prevent the cessation of scientific development, and only in times of grave danger should secrecy be connected to science.
1. The Manhattan District scientists state that one wrong decision and wrong use of the bomb could cause catastrophic consequences for the world.
ReplyDelete2. That it was against scientific morals and that other countries would very soon discover the atomic bomb by themselves anyway.
3. they have been followed pretty well because before ever dropping a bomb that size we have always had advisors and special officials hired to give us more insight. they were very realistic and easy to follow for that time and the future.
After witnessing the devastating effects of the testing of the atom bomb, the American Scientist clearly saw the destructive potential of the atomic bomb. No one country could use this bomb, for it would end in the world covered in nuclear wastelands. This is reflected in the later statement, in the line, “It is particularly important for us to indicate the grave danger of what lies ahead and the catastrophic results that may eventually follow a wrong decision by the leaders of our government.” The scientist urged from the first test to not abuse this weapon.
ReplyDeleteThe scientists argued that secrecy would be pointless in the endeavor to keep non-democratic countries, because, given that it took the Manhattan Project only a few years to develop the weapon, any group of scientists could create an equally powerful atomic bomb. The other argument is that secrecy would be detrimental to development, because scientific discovery depends on ideas going through different sets of minds.
It was mentioned in the document that the decision to drop the bomb should not be taken lightly, as it would result in nuclear strikes all around the world. These policies have been abided by over the years, and leaders have gone to great lengths to avoid a nuclear conflict, such as the careful consideration in the Bay of Pigs, Desert Storm, and other conflicts throughout the Cold War.
-Brennan Ballard, despite whom Blogger may say I am.
1. it reflected the earlier statement that atomic energy could help the world or bring about total destruction.
ReplyDelete2. that one, there was no point in secrecy because any group of scientists could figure this out, and secondly that scientific knowledge should be shared in order to gain more knowledge.
3. these recommendations have been put into effect fairly well, otherwise warring nations would have simply wiped each other out by now. The recommendations were very realistic in that if they were not taken seriously the whole world could very well have been in nuclear fallout by now
1)"...indicate the grave danger that lies ahead and the catastrophic results that may eventually follow a wrong decision."(scientist of Manhattan Project). Both statements exemplified the inevitable destruction that will occur, the harm that will be done, and the lives that will be lost. The outcome would not be pleasant whatsoever.
ReplyDelete2) There was no secret because any scientists can come together to propose plans of creating something that interests them. We just publicized our details; not as if they were hidden though. Secrecy would prevent healthy scientific progress and development in the U.S.
3) The bombs were formulated based upon military and industrial purposes that would protect and advance our civilization. Yes, these recommendations have been met because they have America's best interests. They were realistic because the protection of the U.S. and its residents was the most important factor.
1.) This statement compares to the statement from the Manhattan District scientists because it stresses the need for awareness of the possible dangers of the atomic bomb.
ReplyDelete2.) It was against scientific progress to maintain secrecy and the exchange of information among scientists.
3.) These measures proved to be ineffective because there were still secret measures taken even though they were trying to get rid of that. They weren't realistic because the government will consistently withhold information from the people of the US due to the power of authority.
1) The scientist's quote is an adequate prediction of what later happened at Hiroshima and Nagasaki--the destruction of a world. As the scientists of the Manhattan Project said, it had the ability to cause the destruction of civilization, which it did. The acknowledgement of the danger and power by both the American scientist and the Manhattan Project scientists demonstrates how they all realized that they were all "playing God" in a sense because they were both dealing with the issue of society-ending power.
ReplyDelete2) The scientists advocated for full disclosure and transparency because they believed that science works best when scientists are able to work simultaneously on a project in different ways, so they can share information, work off each other, and work twice as fast at solving a problem by trying different methods. They were also against the continuation of secret research and development because they felt that any capable scientist would eventually gain the knowledge and ability whether or not the Manhattan Project scientists released the information.
3) Though defensive measures such as carefully discussing the plans in detail before any decision was made were attempted, the recommendations were not entirely plausible because even well-meaning authority figures using caution are still human. It is unrealistic to think that relying on the analyzing of details by prior to the destruction of an entire civilization is enough of a defensive measure to justify the decision.
1) In the statement, the scientists imply that the bomb was only created in the U.S.'s defense. Saying that the U.S. was now a "destroyer of worlds" obviously implies something entirely different, intentional and blatant violence.
ReplyDelete2) The scientists insisted that there was no real secret to the atomic bomb's construction, that other nations could probably come up with their own atomic bombs in a few years time. They also claim that the only reason the American public was not informed of the bomb's existence was the "urgency of the war." Alerting the public would have alerted other nations, which actually undermines their argument. For something that apparently wasn't supposed to be such a deep, dark secret, enough measures were taken to make sure it stayed that way until after Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
3) The only defensive measures taken were technically for security purposes. The scientists were sworn to secrecy, as the project was a matter of national security in wartime. This measure was understandable, considering this weapon may not have been wholly accepted by the nation if given the chance to think about its consequences before the two bombs were dropped in Japan. Now, of course, there is no hiding the knowledge of these projects, but they are researched in more remote areas of the country to avoid any hazardous mishaps.
1. “It was accepted by scientists as a form of discipline imposed by the war.” “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” The Manhattan District scientists considered the atomic bomb a gift and a step closer to imporving the industrial world. While the leading American scientist, believed he was the “god” in people’s lives that controlled life and death. Both believed the invention of the atomic bomb held great responsibility and influenced the path of the world.
ReplyDelete2. His arguement favored transparency rather than continued secret research because when a problem occurs in the situation, other scientists could come up with an solution. But couldn’t happened if it was secret. “Such secrecy is opposed to all the principles upon which healthy scientific progress is founded.”
3. These defensive measures were followed to a extent, by considering the options of the atomic bombs. The united states didn’t keep it a secret about the bombs which led to the arm races between the soviet union. But they did consider the power of that effected other nations and the people.
1. Oppenheimer’s statement “Now I am become death, destroyer of worlds” grimly foretold the global crisis that would erupt from the manufacture of a powerful new game changer, nuclear weapons, Oppenheimer’s gift to the world. The statement issued by the scientists a few months after recognized the same perilous situation to come as Oppenheimer did, that the development of these weapons could possibly lead to utter destruction at a later date in an arms race.
ReplyDelete2. The scientists in the statement argued that the secrecy of the project was unwilling due to the fact that it was necessary for the war effort to keep it shrouded. They put forward that secrecy goes against the core nature of science, the widespread communication and collaboration of many scientists to provide information to all scientists.
3. The defensive measure mentioned in the document was to keep the blueprints for the atomic bomb between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, but this would ultimately fail due to the Soviet Union’s engineering of a similar bomb on its own. It would be fairly difficult and inefficient in the long run to keep the bomb a secret between the three nations, as other nations would simply develop the weapon on their own.
1. The statement "Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" compares with the statements issued by Manhatten District scientists in similar ways. For a start, both statements express the feelings brought about by the atomic bomb as well as the dangers and threats it possesses. The given statement is from a person who feels he or she is a killer due to their potential involvement in the development of the bomb because it destroys all thing while the scientists describe their involvement in making the bomb and how dangerous and destructive it can be.
ReplyDelete2. The scientist willingly argued in favor of full disclosure and transparency of the atomic bomb. This is seen in section B of the article when the scientists explain how the development of the bomb has been widely publicized because of the turning points during the war and competition with other nations. These scientist have also published their methods and notes on building the atomic bomb.
3. Defensive measures were mentioned in the article. These recommendations have been followed to a great extent because the atomic bomb is used as a threat to other countries to insure security over the United States. The recommendations were realistic, but a bit drastic and harsh.
During World War 2 , the United states knew Japan wasn’t leaving without a fight. Dropping the Atomic Bomb raised many debates. Just like in the Hindu text this one powerful thing can be the death of millions of people. Both feel like they are controlling people lives with a bomb. At first the bomb was a secret, because the United States didn’t want their enemy to know what they were doing. To the defense the bomb was drop to save the people of America.
ReplyDelete1. J. Roger Oppenheimer's expression fully encapsulates the scientists' awareness of their role in human history. After developing such a weapon, humans are now capable of an ultimate power--delivering death to tens of thousands in a matter of seconds. His reference to the Hindu script implies that there must be measures taken to prevent such power from going out of hand, or else the world will fall into atomic ruin. The Manhattan District scientists are also aware of their work's significance and the "grave danger" that lies ahead if a wrong decision is made by a government in possession of such arms. The scientists' declaration also calls for protective action, mainly in the form of nuclear regulation by the government and diplomatic agreements on the buildup of atomic weaponry. Such wary and cautious mindsets of both the Manhattan district scientists and Oppenheimer surrounding the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki will foreshadow the fearful minds of millions of Americans in the Cold War era.
ReplyDelete2. The scientists know that the research of the atomic bomb has already been catalogued in numerous scientific journals, so the “secret of the atomic bomb” can logically be dismissed as untrue. To dispute the claim that continued secret research would prevent other nations from developing their own atomic bombs, the scientists argue that other nations will develop their own weapons in a few years, if they haven't already, whether or not they know the technical secrets of the Manhattan project. This is true of the Soviet Union, for they first test out their atomic bomb in 1949. They also feel that transparency in their research will foster "healthy scientific progress" that would otherwise be lost if the project continued in secrecy. Transparent communication within the scientific community encourages other scientists to try their hand at whatever fits their fancy; this scientific freedom would not be possible if the exchange of certain information was prohibited. In turn, the freedom will increase the rate of scientific development, ultimately placing the U.S. as the world leader in the field of nuclear physics. They also argue that with this increased availability of knowledge, the authorities in charge of running the country will make proper decisions in their policy-making both on the use of nuclear weaponry and the regulation of atomic energy.
3. The scientists suggested that the world leaders consider the scientific facts of the atomic bomb and its ability of “utter destruction” in their policy making. They argue for scientific awareness among the American people, which is reasonable itself, and open, cautious discussion with all other nations on atomic warfare (not just the U.S, Britain, and Canada). The scientists’ recommendations are mostly realistic, but they only somewhat realize that not all government leaders are willing to consult nuclear scientists when faced with the issue of atomic weaponry. They also didn’t account for the panic that would be ignited by the wide disclosure of atomic research. Their recommendations were followed early on with the growth of the United Nations, specifically with the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission, but U.S. representative Bernard Baruch’s proposed plan for the elimination of atomic weapons was largely foolhardy. The Baruch plan was too dramatic of a proposal, and it ultimately heightened tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The American people soon grew aware of the arms race with the Soviet Union, spurring the emergence of bomb shelters, public service announcements, and nuclear drills. Such panic further escalated fear among the American people and placed the nation in great danger, for American leaders were more concerned with the diplomatic aspects of the Cold War, resulting in the Second Red Scare. Ultimately, the defensive recommendations of the Manhattan scientists were not well followed, resulting in a long term standoff between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
1) In the statement, it's talking about how the scientists wanted to prevent a danger and catastrophe. It also talks about the government making bad decisions, yet the American scientist is calling the bomb the "destroyer of the worlds."
ReplyDelete2) The scientists are saying although other nations will use the atomic bomb down the line, the nations will have to know how to create the bombs, so there's no point in keeping them secret. They also say that scientific process will not be achieved if the bomb is a secret. Scientists will also not be able to explore their interests freely if the bomb is kept a secret.
3) The recommendations aren't really used today since we don't really use those bombs anymore. They weren't practical for that time period because it took more than a "few years" for other nations to access the bomb.
1) This quote compares to the comment, “We have.. the possibilities of atomic energy for the advancement of our civilization or its utter destruction.” Now that we have this weapon it was our duty to decide what to do with it. The technology to wipe out a whole people was now within out grasp and it could have been viewed as a responsibility or as a burden. Both statements have to do with the fact that Americans now have the power to be terribly great or greatly terrible.
ReplyDelete2) They argued that there was no secret to be kept, therefore there was no reason for secrecy and also if they did not disclose details then other scientists’ ideas that could improve the project there would be minimal success.
3) The scientists’ pleas have been heard because although we have not dropped another bomb of the Nagasaki magnitude, we have advanced our studies in the use of nuclear energy both as a weapon and as a resource.
1.They both realize that a wrong decision concerning the atomic bomb could lead the world to its ultimate destruction.
ReplyDelete2. They believe that there is no secret to the atomic bomb and that any competent group of scientists will be able to create their own atomic weaponry within a matter of years.
3 The document lists defensive measures to ensure that the bomb doesn't fall into the wrong hands of an enemy country, but know we know that the Soviets gained this knowledge and launched the Cold War. Since they knew any group could make the bomb, their methods for defense were not that realistic.
1. He realized that the bomb was very very dangerous after being a witness to the destruction caused by the test run of the atomic bomb. The statement agrees with the danger show through the testing of the bomb.
ReplyDelete2. The more scientists working together, the better the results, but this can't happen with secrecy. They also said that even if they keep their technical secrets, other scientists from other major powers will be able to create their own atomic bomb within a few years.
3. We need to keep our technical advances a secret in order to be the first and only with the bomb. They are not very realistic because somebody will always spill their knowledge.
1. The Hindu text is similar to the statement issued by the Manhattan District scientists because they both express feelings of one who has brought death and destruction on something/someone. In the statement, it says how powerful the atomic bomb is and how much devastation it causes. The weapon could, in the future, be used improperly and cause great destruction. The scientist who quoted the Hindu text knew the effects that the atomic bomb could have if used, and it was confirmed by the statement issued by the Manhattan District scientists after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
ReplyDelete2.The scientists tell of the principles of scientific progress. They say that the major principle is that scientific information is supposed to be widespread and for anyone who is interested to be able to study more about it and contribute more; that is the only way that more discovery can be made.
3. The recommendations were followed to the extent that the "secret of the atomic bomb" wasn't shared with any other nation, and was carefully used in American hands. I feel like the recommendations were very realistic. They tell the U.S. that the atomic bomb is very powerful and when put in the wrong hands could have disastrous consequences. However, if our government becomes corrupt or has a momentary relapse and uses the bomb in an inappropriate manner, it would have dire effects.
1. Their letter spoke of the "grave danger and catastrophe results that could come from the leaders of our gov't making a wrong decision"
ReplyDelete2. The scientists wanted to identify their findings because the wanted to avoid a nuclear arms race
3. There has been a nuclear arms race and the scientists in the document did predict it
But why did they say it was impossible to keep a secret and why was it such a danger?
Delete1. The scientists acknowledge that a wrong decision by the government may easily be made, and when it is made, catistrophic events will occur. Just like the speaker of the quote, the scientists understand that in this bomb, there is the power to take away life.
ReplyDelete2. As scientists, they publish their findings in scientific journals, so the world probably knows about it anyway. They also argue that secrecy would hinder the discoveries and experimentation of other scientists. They argue that science gives men the right to research and explore anything of interest and that it is not in the power of the scientists to keep the bomb hidden.
3. The recommendations of dropping the "secrecy" act were very realistic for world peace, but they were not followed. Thus, the Cold War.
Parker
ReplyDeleteCold War Blog Response
1. The American scientist and the Manhattan District scientists’ statements about the atomic bomb are similar because they both know the capabilities of the harmful explosion, which is many lives are taken from people. In a way, the scientists of the bombs did become “Death, the destroyer of worlds” because many lives were taken with just the explosion of two bombs, and some lives that were taken were children, elders, and women who hadn’t done anything to the US. The knowledge of the danger of the bombs leads to the Manhattan scientists to take extreme caution when handling the bomb because it can be so destructive.
2. The scientists would rather civilians know that they are working on the bomb rather than hide the production of it because it is potentially dangerous to the US because it is not guaranteed that the bomb won’t detonate at any moment. The scientists want Americans to know that atomic energy is dangerous and to stay away from it.
3. The document states that the biggest form of defensive is secrecy, but it also states that the citizens of the country should know about the testing and development of the atomic bombs. Today, I think that they have achieved keeping Americans safe of the harmful effects of testing not only the atomic bomb but also the hydrogen bomb. The government sets these bombs off in remote areas where no one lives such as the ocean or the desert. I do think that it was harder said than done for the scientists to say that keeping it secret was the key because people are bound to let information slit, but I haven’t heard of any atomic bomb tests recently, so I guess they have succeeded.
Micaya
ReplyDeleteCH 26
1. It highlights the dangerous power now held by scientists with the “know how” for atomic weaponry.
2. For one, there is no atomic secret; everyone knows, and even if they didn’t, they’d soon have their own “atomic secret” because any scientist could figure it out. Moreover, secrecy discourages scientific advancement and was only necessary because the U.S. didn’t its enemies getting any ideas.
3. The stress on the danger of the atomic bomb seems to have worked because the last time the U.S. has used one was at Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Some things in science are secretive, but likely only to the percentage of the public that doesn’t look for new scientific developments on the magazine rack. The recommendations are very reasonable: only the truly responsible should have power to control the use of atomic weapons to prevent total world destruction because of an angry politician, scientists should collaborate and stay informed with other scientific endeavors to prevent the cessation of scientific development, and only in times of grave danger should secrecy be connected to science.
1.) The Hindu quote parallels to the Manhattan District scientists because they realize the power of the bomb and see how one false move could cause worldwide devastation or be " the destroyer of worlds."
ReplyDelete2.) The scientists stated that its the "responsibility to the people" showing how it is their right to have full disclosure and be part of the power rather than be held against it.
3.) Although the US didn't actually attempt to bomb another country, they were more of security precautions.They sought to disclose the information from competing countries obviously to hinder opposing arm races.
Ashley Davidson
ReplyDelete1: The scientist realized the power of the atomic bomb and how much destruction it would cause. He noticed that this would kill many people, and by the test being successful he is helping the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki come closer to their fate.
2: The scientists argue that the progress would go much more quickly if the information was no longer secret. If they let the information get out then they can exchange information with other scientists.
3: The document mentioned the defensive measure of secrecy. They wanted it to remain secret so that the blueprints wouldn't fall into the hands of an enemy nation. Although this began as a realistic measure, it later became virtually pointless because they found out the Soviet Union was making a very similar atomic bomb.