Oppenheimer Really Creator Of The Atomic Bomb?
The Problem With The "Great Man" Theory Is That It Often Lacks Substantial Evidence And Is Particularly Inadequate When It Comes To Cases Of Alzheimer's Disease.
According to historical theory, there is often a tendency to attribute significant events, discoveries, and inventions to individual great men or women. This simplifies historical analysis and makes it straightforward to understand the impact of these individuals on the world.
The Second World War? The theory of gravity? Isaac Newton is not the only scientist. The end of the Soviet Union was attributed to Gorbachev. As for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'Oppenheimer,' its reception is still uncertain. If you haven't been following recent events or if you're interested in the film 'Barbie,' I can inform you that it is based on the accomplishments of American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Oppenheimer is commonly referred to as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb" due to his role as the director of the laboratory in New Mexico where it was developed. Nolan's film further strengthens the perception that the bomb was the creation of a remarkable individual. Oppenheimer's personal characteristics, including mysticism, pacifism, sexual freedom, and left-wing politics, contribute to this image. The film's portrayal of the atomic bomb as the outcome of individual genius adds to its appeal.
The "Great Man" theory tends to overlook the collaborative nature of achievements, and this is particularly evident in the case of Oppenheimer. While he is often hailed as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb," it is important to recognize that the development of the bomb was the result of unprecedented teamwork in the Manhattan Project. Many other scientists and researchers made significant contributions alongside Oppenheimer. While Oppenheimer's wisdom, passion, and knowledge were undoubtedly crucial, it is essential to acknowledge the collective effort that led to the invention of the atomic bomb.
The origins of the atomic bomb can be traced back to the laboratories of German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann. In 1938, they discovered nuclear fission by bombarding uranium with neutrons, leading to the splitting of an atom. The following year, physicists Lise Meitner and Otto Frisch successfully replicated their experiment. It is crucial to recognize the significant contributions of these scientists to the development of nuclear fission.
Word of nuclear fission quickly circulated among the scientific community, and in January 1939, a team led by Italian-American physicist Enrico Fermi achieved the first nuclear fission in America at Columbia University. Despite Fermi's early warnings to the US military about the potential consequences of this discovery, his concerns initially received little attention.
A significant event took place when Albert Einstein and other physicists wrote a letter to President Roosevelt in August of the same year, warning about the possibility of Germany developing a nuclear weapon. This letter played a crucial role in motivating the United States to initiate a nuclear program, leading to the establishment of the 'Manhattan Project'.
It is worth noting that during that time, Oppenheimer was not directly involved in nuclear fission research. Instead, he was focused on subjects such as astrophysics and neutron stars. Although nuclear weapons were still in the conceptual stage, Enrico Fermi, who was the first to raise concerns about their military application, is often recognized as the 'architect of the nuclear age' due to his early contributions and development of the concept at Columbia University.
It is important to recognize that the development of an atomic bomb was not achievable by any individual scientist, including Fermi or Einstein, in their laboratory alone. Building the first nuclear program required substantial political power, financial resources, and effective managerial skills. Biopics often prioritize artistic and commercial objectives, leading to the omission of crucial historical aspects from the story.
If Christopher Nolan were given the opportunity to create a film about the individuals whose contributions to the development of the atomic bomb were arguably greater than Oppenheimer's, he would likely explore the careers of two relatively unknown figures: Vannevar Bush and Leslie Groves. Vannevar Bush led the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD), while Leslie Groves played a crucial role in the intricate committee and organizational meetings that followed President Roosevelt's receipt of Einstein's letter. Due to space constraints, it is challenging to delve into the details of these meetings.
Vannevar Bush, an accomplished scientific administrator and inventor, had already held leadership positions in various important scientific institutions. In 1941, Bush dedicated himself to tirelessly lobbying the US government to launch an expedited program for the development of the atomic bomb.
Vannevar Bush's contribution to the development of the atomic bomb cannot be overstated. Without his efforts, the Americans may not have had the means to launch a significant and destructive attack on Japanese soil. Bush faced the daunting task of managing multiple agencies and departments, all of whom recognized his expertise in supporting the war effort.
The Manhattan Project, initiated by the OSRD in 1942, faced considerable obstacles due to its covert nature and high expenses. With a price tag of around two billion dollars (equivalent to one hundred billion dollars today), the project employed approximately 130,000 workers across various plants, laboratories, and factories in the United States.
Refusing to settle for mediocrity, Bush insisted on maintaining high standards. When he observed that the project was not progressing as desired, he requested the War Department to appoint a new leader.
Brigadier General Groves, a veteran of the Army's construction division, showcased his managerial expertise during the construction of the Pentagon. Recognized as a suitable candidate for a pivotal role that could "win the war," Groves was not known for a violent mentality. Instead, he excelled as an administrative chief, adept at assigning the right people to the right positions. When Groves sought a leader for the Los Alamos laboratory, he successfully found the ideal candidate.
Groves acknowledged Oppenheimer's qualifications to advance bomb development, despite concerns about his security risk. The decision was resolute, and one physicist later praised Groves' genius in appointing Oppenheimer.
The original atomic bomb project had many key contributors, including Oppenheimer and others who came before him. Vannevar Bush, in particular, was highly esteemed, with some considering his significance on par with the President.
The lesson gleaned from the Manhattan Project is that the notion of a "great personality" is confined to the realm of movies. While Oppenheimer undeniably played a pivotal role in reshaping the world, there are numerous other extraordinary individuals deserving of equal admiration.
Oppenheimer - Atomic Bomb
