History
A comprehensive section chronicling the discovery of nuclear fission, the race for the atomic bomb, the development of the hydrogen bomb and the ensuing Cold War and beyond.
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The First Pile
The saga of man’s first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
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The Manhattan Project
“The Manhattan Project: Making the Atomic Bomb” is a history of the American atomic bomb program during World War II.
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The Trinity Test
On July 16, 1945 the world changed with the explosion of the first atomic bomb that took place at Trinity Site.
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Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima
At 8:15 on August 6, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Almost the entire city was devastated in that single moment.
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Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki
At 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945, the explosion of a second atomic bomb devastated the city of Nagasaki.
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Race for the Hydrogen Bomb
As the American and Soviet nuclear programs took root and grew, and the race for the hydrogen bomb was soon on.
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Cuban Missile Crisis
Learn about the 13-day political and military standoff in October 1962 over the installation of nuclear-armed Soviet missiles on Cuba
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Cold War: A Brief History
Explore the critical events of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.
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The British Mission
How a small group of British scientists aided in the development of the first atomic bomb.
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Manhattan Project Signature Facilities
Information on the Department of Energy’s Manhattan Project “Signature Facilities”.