Manhattan Project: Gen. Groves Top Secret Correspondence (1942–1946)

Description

Manhattan Project: Timeline and Key Figures

• October 1939:
• Nuclear Fission Discovery: Experiments conducted in Germany result in the discovery of nuclear fission.
• Feasibility of Chain Reactions: Subsequent work in the United States and France demonstrates the feasibility of uranium chain reactions, capable of releasing massive amounts of power.
• Roosevelt Briefing & Einstein Letter: Nuclear scientist Leo Szilard prompts economist Alexander Sachs to personally call on President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Sachs presents a letter from Albert Einstein summarizing recent nuclear developments, indicating the possibility of constructing powerful atomic bombs, and warning of potential German interest in uranium. This urges Government support of nuclear research.
• September 1942 – December 1946:
• Major General Leslie Groves’ Command: Major General Leslie Groves serves as the commanding general of the Manhattan District (Manhattan Project). His “Top Secret” correspondence covers the Army’s role in the development, production, and deployment of atomic weapons during this period.
• 1943:
• Bombing of Norwegian Heavy Water Plant: A special military operation involves the bombing of the Norwegian heavy water plant.
• August 19, 1943:Quebec Agreement: The Quebec Agreement, an international agreement regarding nuclear affairs, is signed.
• June 13, 1944:
• Combined Development Trust: The Combined Development Trust, another international agreement, is established.
• 1945:
• Project Trinity Culminates: Project Trinity, involving an estimated 1,000 military and civilian personnel, culminates in the detonation of the first nuclear device in New Mexico. This event includes scientific and diagnostic experiments to evaluate the effects of the nuclear device.
• Atomic Bombings of Japan: Preparations for and the results of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki occur.
• Undated (within 1942-1946):
• Alsos Missions: Intelligence activities, including the Alsos missions, are conducted in Italy and Germany.
• Operation PEPPERMINT: Operation PEPPERMINT is initiated for defense against possible German use of radioactive contaminants.
• Air Attack against German Works: An air attack is carried out against the uranium and thorium works in Oranienburg, Germany.

Cast of Characters

• Major General Leslie Groves: The commanding general of the Manhattan District (Manhattan Project) from September 1942 to December 1946. He maintained extensive “Top Secret” correspondence documenting the Army’s role in atomic weapon development, production, and deployment.
• Leo Szilard: A nuclear scientist who prompted Alexander Sachs to contact President Roosevelt, advocating for government support of nuclear research.
• Alexander Sachs: An economist from the Lehman Corporation who personally called on President Franklin D. Roosevelt in October 1939, urging government support for nuclear research and presenting Albert Einstein’s letter.
• Albert Einstein: A prominent scientist who authored a letter summarizing recent developments in the nuclear field, indicating the possibility of constructing powerful atomic bombs, and warning of potential German interest in uranium, which was presented to President Roosevelt in October 1939.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: The President of the United States who was personally urged by Alexander Sachs to support nuclear research in October 1939.
• Colonel Kenneth D. Nichols: A principal subordinate of General Groves, serving as the District Engineer at Oak Ridge.
• George L. Harrison: An official associated with the Secretary of War’s office and his special assistants, involved in the Manhattan Project correspondence.
• Harvey H. Bundy: An official associated with the Secretary of War’s office and his special assistants, involved in the Manhattan Project correspondence.
• Bush (likely Vannevar Bush): An official from OSRD (Office of Scientific Research and Development) with whom General Groves had correspondence regarding nuclear policy and development.
• Conant (likely James B. Conant): An official from OSRD (Office of Scientific Research and Development) with whom General Groves had correspondence regarding nuclear policy and development.