Original subtitles

- [Narrator] Things change in time.

- [Narrator] Things change in time.

In a moment in time in 1945, everything changed.

In a moment in time in 1945, everything changed.

The desert of central New Mexico,

an area called the Jornada del Muerto, the journey of death,

an area called the Jornada del Muerto, the journey of death,

an area called the Jornada del Muerto, the journey of death,

named by Spanish conquistadors

named by Spanish conquistadors

named by Spanish conquistadors

because if you ran out of water here, you did not survive.

because if you ran out of water here, you did not survive.

This place is now known as Trinity Site.

This place is now known as Trinity Site.

In a moment in time at this spot

in July 1945 things changed.

in July 1945 things changed.

in July 1945 things changed.

In the instant of what happened here, the length

In the instant of what happened here, the length

of a war changed, along with the course of history.

of a war changed, along with the course of history.

It began years before and thousands of miles away.

It began years before and thousands of miles away.

(military drumming)

For years, Adolf Hitler had forced the influence

For years, Adolf Hitler had forced the influence

of Nazi rule on Europe.

of Nazi rule on Europe.

To the rest of the free world, his intentions were war

To the rest of the free world, his intentions were war

To the rest of the free world, his intentions were war

and brutality was his method.

and brutality was his method.

Populations were set in motion.

- I came from Hungary in Germany.

- I came from Hungary in Germany.

I have seen many things firsthand.

I was dreadfully worried about my family and all my friends.

I was dreadfully worried about my family and all my friends.

I was dreadfully worried about my family and all my friends.

And I do not believe that people today realize

And I do not believe that people today realize

how tremendous those dangers had been,

how tremendous those dangers had been,

because Hitler indeed could have taken over the world,

because Hitler indeed could have taken over the world,

because Hitler indeed could have taken over the world,

and with a hair's breath, he could do so.

and with a hair's breath, he could do so.

Those of us who came from Europe were more aware of that

Those of us who came from Europe were more aware of that

Those of us who came from Europe were more aware of that

than native American friends.

than native American friends.

- It came in stages,

- It came in stages,

and from very early on,

and from very early on,

Jews were arrested

and put in concentration camps.

and put in concentration camps.

Certainly the loss of jobs, was documented,

Certainly the loss of jobs, was documented,

and it kept getting worse, so I think there was no question

and it kept getting worse, so I think there was no question

and it kept getting worse, so I think there was no question

that I should immigrate.

that I should immigrate.

- [Narrator] There were other scientists from the best

- [Narrator] There were other scientists from the best

universities and scientific institutions in Europe

universities and scientific institutions in Europe

universities and scientific institutions in Europe

seeking also to get away.

When they fled the Nazis, they brought with them

When they fled the Nazis, they brought with them

When they fled the Nazis, they brought with them

an international relationship of friendships

an international relationship of friendships

and acquaintances, along with research they had been

and acquaintances, along with research they had been

and acquaintances, along with research they had been

doing on a relatively new field, that of nuclear fission.

doing on a relatively new field, that of nuclear fission.

doing on a relatively new field, that of nuclear fission.

It had been discovered in Germany in 1938,

It had been discovered in Germany in 1938,

It had been discovered in Germany in 1938,

and was an emerging field that promised massive

and was an emerging field that promised massive

amounts of energy.

amounts of energy.

But there was also the thought that it could deliver

But there was also the thought that it could deliver

that energy as a bomb.

that energy as a bomb.

A single massive amount of energy

A single massive amount of energy

A single massive amount of energy

that could destroy a city.

- And we knew that there were a number of competent

- And we knew that there were a number of competent

physicists and chemists available,

physicists and chemists available,

so that made us concerned

so that made us concerned

so that made us concerned

that we might be too late.

- World war just began four months earlier,

- World war just began four months earlier,

- World war just began four months earlier,

so we knew it was gonna develop into a terrible world war.

so we knew it was gonna develop into a terrible world war.

so we knew it was gonna develop into a terrible world war.

so we knew it was gonna develop into a terrible world war.

And this coming at that time seemed a fateful proof it was,

And this coming at that time seemed a fateful proof it was,

And this coming at that time seemed a fateful proof it was,

and we immediately saw, no one's mind was on anything

and we immediately saw, no one's mind was on anything

but how can this be used for war?

but how can this be used for war?

It gradually became clearer.

It gradually became clearer.

It's quite possible to make an explosion from this.

It's quite possible to make an explosion from this.

It's quite possible to make an explosion from this.

- [Narrator] It was this concern that led refugee

- [Narrator] It was this concern that led refugee

German physicist Leo Szilard to reveal that possibility

German physicist Leo Szilard to reveal that possibility

to the US government.

to the US government.

Together with Albert Einstein and Edward Teller

Together with Albert Einstein and Edward Teller

he composed a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt.

he composed a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt.

he composed a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt.

It told of a terrible possibility.

It told of a terrible possibility.

Germany had the talent and the knowledge

Germany had the talent and the knowledge

to research and develop an atomic weapon.

to research and develop an atomic weapon.

to research and develop an atomic weapon.

Delivering the letter to Roosevelt on their behalf

Delivering the letter to Roosevelt on their behalf

Delivering the letter to Roosevelt on their behalf

was economist Alexander Sachs, a friend of Szilard

was economist Alexander Sachs, a friend of Szilard

and economic advisor to the president.

and economic advisor to the president.

Roosevelt said, "Alex what you are after is to see

Roosevelt said, "Alex what you are after is to see

"that the Nazis don't blow us up."

"that the Nazis don't blow us up."

"Precisely," Sachs said.

"Precisely," Sachs said.

"This requires action," Roosevelt told an aide.

"This requires action," Roosevelt told an aide.

"This requires action," Roosevelt told an aide.

Intelligence reports from Europe indicated

Intelligence reports from Europe indicated

the Nazis were working on such a weapon,

the Nazis were working on such a weapon,

the Nazis were working on such a weapon,

but no one knew how much effort they were devoting to it.

but no one knew how much effort they were devoting to it.

but no one knew how much effort they were devoting to it.

The one certainty was that if Hitler developed the bomb

The one certainty was that if Hitler developed the bomb

The one certainty was that if Hitler developed the bomb

he would win the war.

The letter to Roosevelt paved the way

The letter to Roosevelt paved the way

for the creation of a top secret military project,

for the creation of a top secret military project,

for the creation of a top secret military project,

one that would have the highest priority

one that would have the highest priority

and tightest security.

and tightest security.

It would be named

the Manhattan Military Engineering District.

the Manhattan Military Engineering District.

the Manhattan Military Engineering District.

- When finally we began to do something

in participating in the war effort

it was a relief.

- [Narrator] The project was massive.

- [Narrator] The project was massive.

To design and build a device that existed only in theory

To design and build a device that existed only in theory

To design and build a device that existed only in theory

from material that didn't exist in any quantity

from material that didn't exist in any quantity

under unprecedented secrecy by people, many of whom,

under unprecedented secrecy by people, many of whom,

were not even US citizens.

were not even US citizens.

It was known that the nucleus of one form of uranium

It was known that the nucleus of one form of uranium

isotope 235 would split when it absorbed a neutron.

isotope 235 would split when it absorbed a neutron.

isotope 235 would split when it absorbed a neutron.

When this happened, energy was released,

When this happened, energy was released,

and more neutrons were created that struck

and more neutrons were created that struck

and split other nuclei.

and split other nuclei.

and split other nuclei.

When it happens continuously, it's known

When it happens continuously, it's known

as a chain reaction.

as a chain reaction.

No one knew at the start how much fissionable material

No one knew at the start how much fissionable material

was needed to support an explosive chain reaction.

was needed to support an explosive chain reaction.

was needed to support an explosive chain reaction.

That volume would be known as the critical mass.

That volume would be known as the critical mass.

That volume would be known as the critical mass.

Another element only discovered in late 1941

Another element only discovered in late 1941

Another element only discovered in late 1941

by Berkeley nuclear chemist Glenn Seaborg

by Berkeley nuclear chemist Glenn Seaborg

also had the properties to explode in a chain reaction

also had the properties to explode in a chain reaction

also had the properties to explode in a chain reaction

under the right conditions.

Seaborg named it for the ninth planet

Seaborg named it for the ninth planet

from the sun, plutonium.

from the sun, plutonium.

- The isotope we produced was plutonium-238,

- The isotope we produced was plutonium-238,

produced by the deuteron bombardment of uranium.

produced by the deuteron bombardment of uranium.

produced by the deuteron bombardment of uranium.

Then a month later, joined by Emilio Segre,

Then a month later, joined by Emilio Segre,

Then a month later, joined by Emilio Segre,

we identified in this room the isotope of importance,

we identified in this room the isotope of importance,

plutonium-239, and isolated it so that it could

plutonium-239, and isolated it so that it could

have its fission properties measured

have its fission properties measured

at the 37 inch cyclotron.

at the 37 inch cyclotron.

- [Narrator] General Leslie Groves of the US Army Corps

- [Narrator] General Leslie Groves of the US Army Corps

of Engineers had just completed a major project,

of Engineers had just completed a major project,

of Engineers had just completed a major project,

the construction of the Pentagon.

the construction of the Pentagon.

It had been his desire to accept

It had been his desire to accept

a combat assignment overseas.

a combat assignment overseas.

His superior officer told Groves the secretary of war

His superior officer told Groves the secretary of war

had selected him for an important assignment in Washington.

had selected him for an important assignment in Washington.

had selected him for an important assignment in Washington.

He was appointed as the head of the Manhattan Project.

He was appointed as the head of the Manhattan Project.

He was appointed as the head of the Manhattan Project.

- General Groves was a very difficult man to sum up,

- General Groves was a very difficult man to sum up,

- General Groves was a very difficult man to sum up,

but again the same thing appealed to me about General Groves

but again the same thing appealed to me about General Groves

that I think appealed to Groves about Oppenheimer.

that I think appealed to Groves about Oppenheimer.

that I think appealed to Groves about Oppenheimer.

His enormous devotion, determination to get the war over.

His enormous devotion, determination to get the war over.

His enormous devotion, determination to get the war over.

To do what he could.

To do what he could.

- [Narrator] Italian physicist Enrico Fermi

- [Narrator] Italian physicist Enrico Fermi

working with Leo Szilard in a space underneath

working with Leo Szilard in a space underneath

the University of Chicago Stadium

the University of Chicago Stadium

the University of Chicago Stadium

assembled a large pile of graphite blocks

assembled a large pile of graphite blocks

with lumps of natural uranium in it.

with lumps of natural uranium in it.

In December 1942, he succeeded in bringing about

In December 1942, he succeeded in bringing about

the first man-made controlled nuclear chain reaction.

the first man-made controlled nuclear chain reaction.

the first man-made controlled nuclear chain reaction.

the first man-made controlled nuclear chain reaction.

Now that controlled fission had been accomplished,

Now that controlled fission had been accomplished,

it could be studied, and the next steps could proceed.

it could be studied, and the next steps could proceed.

Robert Oppenheimer was a highly respected 38-year-old

Robert Oppenheimer was a highly respected 38-year-old

Robert Oppenheimer was a highly respected 38-year-old

theoretical physicist in 1942.

theoretical physicist in 1942.

He had been closely examining the development

He had been closely examining the development

of fission science.

of fission science.

In October of that year, he was at the University of Chicago

In October of that year, he was at the University of Chicago

when Groves came through on his first inspection tour.

when Groves came through on his first inspection tour.

when Groves came through on his first inspection tour.

In conversations with Groves, Oppenheimer discussed

In conversations with Groves, Oppenheimer discussed

the need for a central facility, and other details.

the need for a central facility, and other details.

the need for a central facility, and other details.

Groves saw something in him, a leadership,

Groves saw something in him, a leadership,

Groves saw something in him, a leadership,

and an understanding of what needed to be done.

and an understanding of what needed to be done.

and an understanding of what needed to be done.

- I first saw Robert Oppenheimer when I became

- I first saw Robert Oppenheimer when I became

a graduate student at Berkeley.

a graduate student at Berkeley.

His reputation for brilliance and for clear explication

His reputation for brilliance and for clear explication

and the rest, was already strong, but he had a reputation

and the rest, was already strong, but he had a reputation

and the rest, was already strong, but he had a reputation

for being very quick,

for being very quick,

for being very quick,

and easily able to quash a question or an objective

and easily able to quash a question or an objective

of anyone with anything of that sort,

of anyone with anything of that sort,

and he was very difficult to interact with.

and he was very difficult to interact with.

and he was very difficult to interact with.

- Oppenheimer was a difficult human being.

- Oppenheimer was a difficult human being.

He was extremely intelligent, extremely quick.

He understood everything.

He understood everything.

He understood everything.

When I had just a glimpse of what was being talked about.

When I had just a glimpse of what was being talked about.

- [Narrator] Groves selected Oppenheimer as the leader

- [Narrator] Groves selected Oppenheimer as the leader

to bring the elements of the Manhattan Project together

to bring the elements of the Manhattan Project together

to bring the elements of the Manhattan Project together

in one place.

Oppenheimer came to the project

Oppenheimer came to the project

with an immediate controversy.

His security was questioned because of college

His security was questioned because of college

His security was questioned because of college

acquaintances with communism.

acquaintances with communism.

- In the time before the war,

he had been very leftist.

- [Narrator] Groves overrode all objections

- [Narrator] Groves overrode all objections

and stayed with his selection.

and stayed with his selection.

and stayed with his selection.

- Everyone was surprised.

No one thought he would undertake such a task,

No one thought he would undertake such a task,

No one thought he would undertake such a task,

and it was amazing that General Groves would have done that.

and it was amazing that General Groves would have done that.

When I met Groves I began realizing

When I met Groves I began realizing

When I met Groves I began realizing

they were very different persons.

Very different views of the world.

Very different views of the world.

Very different views of the world.

But they both had an intensity of determination,

But they both had an intensity of determination,

But they both had an intensity of determination,

and that's what I think went over Groves.

Oppenheimer, at once you could see, Oppenheimer was a man

Oppenheimer, at once you could see, Oppenheimer was a man

Oppenheimer, at once you could see, Oppenheimer was a man

who understood every part of the job,

who understood every part of the job,

and who was determined to get it done as best he could.

and who was determined to get it done as best he could.

- [Narrator] Groves wanted to compartmentalize

- [Narrator] Groves wanted to compartmentalize

each of the different divisions.

each of the different divisions.

each of the different divisions.

Oppenheimer immediately disagreed.

To him, progress was made through interaction.

To him, progress was made through interaction.

To him, progress was made through interaction.

Science was discovered through collaboration.

Science was discovered through collaboration.

Science was discovered through collaboration.

He held weekly colloquiums, scientific meetings

He held weekly colloquiums, scientific meetings

among the different science groups, to exchange

among the different science groups, to exchange

among the different science groups, to exchange

information to solve problems.

information to solve problems.

- And Oppenheimer insisted that everybody should be

- And Oppenheimer insisted that everybody should be

- And Oppenheimer insisted that everybody should be

interested, and should know, and should contribute.

interested, and should know, and should contribute.

- [Narrator] The new lab would be devoted

- [Narrator] The new lab would be devoted

to experiment and engineering.

to experiment and engineering.

Oppenheimer was a theorist.

- To me, the theory is the explanation

- To me, the theory is the explanation

- To me, the theory is the explanation

of the observations.

of the observations.

Putting them in a framework that convinces us

Putting them in a framework that convinces us

yes, we do know how a star works.

We do know how a supernova explodes.

We do know how a supernova explodes.

We do know how a supernova explodes.

But every single bit of physics

that goes into understanding our universe

that goes into understanding our universe

that goes into understanding our universe

has first been tested out right here on planet Earth,

has first been tested out right here on planet Earth,

has first been tested out right here on planet Earth,

has first been tested out right here on planet Earth,

and that's what an experimentalist does.

and that's what an experimentalist does.

He tests whether those laws really hold up.

He tests whether those laws really hold up.

He tests whether those laws really hold up.

And they're not laws that Congress can repeal, I assure you.

And they're not laws that Congress can repeal, I assure you.

And they're not laws that Congress can repeal, I assure you.

- [Narrator] The best scientific talent in the country,

- [Narrator] The best scientific talent in the country,

and even from outside the country, would be working

and even from outside the country, would be working

at what would be known as Site Y.

at what would be known as Site Y.

at what would be known as Site Y.

But where?

But where?

It would have to be in a remote

and sparsely populated locale,

and sparsely populated locale,

and sparsely populated locale,

at least 200 miles from a coastline

at least 200 miles from a coastline

or international boundary for safety from attack,

or international boundary for safety from attack,

or international boundary for safety from attack,

room for explosives testing, weather good enough

room for explosives testing, weather good enough

for construction to proceed year-round,

for construction to proceed year-round,

and enough housing to immediately accommodate

and enough housing to immediately accommodate

the first group of scientists.

the first group of scientists.

the first group of scientists.

Major John Dudley of the Manhattan Engineering District

Major John Dudley of the Manhattan Engineering District

Major John Dudley of the Manhattan Engineering District

found an ideal location in Oak City in south central Utah,

found an ideal location in Oak City in south central Utah,

found an ideal location in Oak City in south central Utah,

but there were too many residents, and too much farm land

but there were too many residents, and too much farm land

that would be evicted.

that would be evicted.

Oppenheimer was no stranger to the southwest.

Oppenheimer was no stranger to the southwest.

His family had a vacation cabin in the Pecos wilderness

His family had a vacation cabin in the Pecos wilderness

His family had a vacation cabin in the Pecos wilderness

of northern New Mexico.

of northern New Mexico.

The next prospect was Jemez Springs, New Mexico.

The next prospect was Jemez Springs, New Mexico.

The next prospect was Jemez Springs, New Mexico.

Oppenheimer and Groves drove there to have a look.

Oppenheimer and Groves drove there to have a look.

Oppenheimer and Groves drove there to have a look.

Both had the same opinion.

The narrow canyon walls were too deep for comfort,

The narrow canyon walls were too deep for comfort,

The narrow canyon walls were too deep for comfort,

space, and security.

Oppenheimer remembered a place he had been by

Oppenheimer remembered a place he had been by

while on a pack trip, and had returned often

while on a pack trip, and had returned often

while on a pack trip, and had returned often

as a visitor.

It was a boys' school at a place called Los Alamos.

It was a boys' school at a place called Los Alamos.

It was a boys' school at a place called Los Alamos.

in the late afternoon, they drove there.

in the late afternoon, they drove there.

in the late afternoon, they drove there.

The students and their masters were out

The students and their masters were out

on the playing fields, and a light snow was falling.

on the playing fields, and a light snow was falling.

"This is it," Groves said.

"This is it," Groves said.

Located on the eastern slope of the Hemas mountains

Located on the eastern slope of the Hemas mountains

on the Pajarito plateau,

on the Pajarito plateau,

on the Pajarito plateau,

Los Alamos had as its occupants

some homesteaders, and the Los Alamos ranch school.

some homesteaders, and the Los Alamos ranch school.

some homesteaders, and the Los Alamos ranch school.

It was the dream of an ex-Roosevelt roughrider

It was the dream of an ex-Roosevelt roughrider

It was the dream of an ex-Roosevelt roughrider

named Ashley Pond.

It was a school for the sons of wealthy families

It was a school for the sons of wealthy families

It was a school for the sons of wealthy families

that was based on a vigorous life.

that was based on a vigorous life.

Students wore shorts year-round,

Students wore shorts year-round,

and slept in unheated sleeping porches.

and slept in unheated sleeping porches.

and slept in unheated sleeping porches.

Each student was assigned a horse to care for,

Each student was assigned a horse to care for,

and pack trips into the mountains were common.

and pack trips into the mountains were common.

and pack trips into the mountains were common.

The school had spent its time quietly

The school had spent its time quietly

since the late 1920s, but now its time was coming to an end.

since the late 1920s, but now its time was coming to an end.

School officials started noticing low-flying planes

School officials started noticing low-flying planes

School officials started noticing low-flying planes

School officials started noticing low-flying planes

studying the area, cars and military vehicles appeared

studying the area, cars and military vehicles appeared

on the crest of the road that led up from the valley.

on the crest of the road that led up from the valley.

on the crest of the road that led up from the valley.

On December fourth, 1942, the school received notice

On December fourth, 1942, the school received notice

from Henry Stimson, secretary of war,

from Henry Stimson, secretary of war,

that the school was being taken over.

that the school was being taken over.

that the school was being taken over.

Condemnation proceedings were used,

and it was decreed all records of the acquisition

and it was decreed all records of the acquisition

and it was decreed all records of the acquisition

be sealed from public view

be sealed from public view

almost 54,000 acres were acquired.

almost 54,000 acres were acquired.

almost 54,000 acres were acquired.

Almost 9,000 acres were public land.

Cost of acquisition, $440,000.

Cost of acquisition, $440,000.

Cost of acquisition, $440,000.

- After Pearl Harbor, we all knew that we were

- After Pearl Harbor, we all knew that we were

kind of playing an end game.

kind of playing an end game.

kind of playing an end game.

We get out of school, we're off to war.

And so in the beginning of the fall of '42,

already surveyors were around here from the government.

already surveyors were around here from the government.

already surveyors were around here from the government.

Then they took it over, and they ran

kind of a mega-bulldozer through the place.

kind of a mega-bulldozer through the place.

kind of a mega-bulldozer through the place.

Absolutely fantastic construction

in a very short length of time.

in a very short length of time.

in a very short length of time.

We knew the school would be taken over,

We knew the school would be taken over,

didn't know just when,

didn't know what was really happening.

didn't know what was really happening.

didn't know what was really happening.

- [Narrator] Construction crews started throwing up

- [Narrator] Construction crews started throwing up

buildings for administration, laboratories, housing,

buildings for administration, laboratories, housing,

schools, and everything else a community needed to function.

schools, and everything else a community needed to function.

schools, and everything else a community needed to function.

schools, and everything else a community needed to function.

It looked more like a boom town than a wartime army camp,

It looked more like a boom town than a wartime army camp,

It looked more like a boom town than a wartime army camp,

all mushrooming around the ranch school.

all mushrooming around the ranch school.

- So towards the end of this, just before Christmas,

- So towards the end of this, just before Christmas,

these two dudes show up here calling themselves Mr. Smith

these two dudes show up here calling themselves Mr. Smith

these two dudes show up here calling themselves Mr. Smith

and Mr. Jones, first one wearing a porkpie

and Mr. Jones, first one wearing a porkpie

and Mr. Jones, first one wearing a porkpie

and the second one a fedora.

I mean, no way on Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones.

I mean, no way on Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones.

Who were they and what's the problem?

Who were they and what's the problem?

Well it took just two hours, two hours,

Well it took just two hours, two hours,

to know that this was Oppenheimer and Lawrence.

to know that this was Oppenheimer and Lawrence.

to know that this was Oppenheimer and Lawrence.

And we called them by those names among us kids right then.

And we called them by those names among us kids right then.

And we called them by those names among us kids right then.

Because we knew of them so well from our physics courses

Because we knew of them so well from our physics courses

Because we knew of them so well from our physics courses

and things like that.

Recognized their pictures in our physics book.

Recognized their pictures in our physics book.

Recognized their pictures in our physics book.

- [Narrator] Classwork was accelerated,

and in February 1943, the last graduation was held.

and in February 1943, the last graduation was held.

and in February 1943, the last graduation was held.

New roads of unpaved streets that snow and rain

New roads of unpaved streets that snow and rain

turned to mud started to define the new community.

turned to mud started to define the new community.

turned to mud started to define the new community.

In January of 1943, the University of California

In January of 1943, the University of California

was selected to operate the new laboratory.

was selected to operate the new laboratory.

was selected to operate the new laboratory.

Recruiting scientists was difficult

Recruiting scientists was difficult

because prospective employees are already doing

because prospective employees are already doing

important work and needed good reason to change their jobs.

important work and needed good reason to change their jobs.

important work and needed good reason to change their jobs.

Because of security, only scientific personnel

Because of security, only scientific personnel

could be told anything about the nature of the work.

could be told anything about the nature of the work.

could be told anything about the nature of the work.

But they were to tell no one about what they did,

But they were to tell no one about what they did,

But they were to tell no one about what they did,

not even their families.

Lamy, New Mexico.

15 miles southeast of Santa Fe.

15 miles southeast of Santa Fe.

15 miles southeast of Santa Fe.

In the spring of 1943, they started to arrive

In the spring of 1943, they started to arrive

at the small railroad station that looked like

at the small railroad station that looked like

it was in the middle of nowhere.

it was in the middle of nowhere.

Arriving from all parts of the country, and Europe,

Arriving from all parts of the country, and Europe,

were the best scientific minds in the world.

were the best scientific minds in the world.

were the best scientific minds in the world.

Emilio Segre, Niels Bohr, Hans Betha,

Emilio Segre, Niels Bohr, Hans Betha,

Edward Teller, Otto Frisch,

Edward Teller, Otto Frisch,

Stanislaw Ulam, George Kistiakowsky,

Stanislaw Ulam, George Kistiakowsky,

Stanislaw Ulam, George Kistiakowsky,

Richard Feynman, Edward McMillan.

Some came as consultants, and the rest as permanent staff.

Some came as consultants, and the rest as permanent staff.

Some came as consultants, and the rest as permanent staff.

Santa Fe, New Mexico.

To those who came into town en route

To those who came into town en route

from across the country, it was hard to see the small town

from across the country, it was hard to see the small town

from across the country, it was hard to see the small town

as the state's capital.

as the state's capital.

as the state's capital.

First stop was an office at 109 East Palace Avenue,

First stop was an office at 109 East Palace Avenue,

First stop was an office at 109 East Palace Avenue,

run by Dorothy McKibbin, it was the welcome and check-in

run by Dorothy McKibbin, it was the welcome and check-in

run by Dorothy McKibbin, it was the welcome and check-in

for all those who came to disappear

for all those who came to disappear

up on the Pajarito plateau.

up on the Pajarito plateau.

She arranged for transportation, housing,

She arranged for transportation, housing,

and hundreds of other little things

that took away some of the apprehension

that took away some of the apprehension

of things to come.

of things to come.

One wife said--

- [Woman] "I felt akin to the pioneer women

- [Woman] "I felt akin to the pioneer women

"accompanying their husbands across uncharted plains

"accompanying their husbands across uncharted plains

"westward, alert to dangers, resigned to the fact

"westward, alert to dangers, resigned to the fact

"westward, alert to dangers, resigned to the fact

"that they journeyed, for wheel or woe,

"that they journeyed, for wheel or woe,

"that they journeyed, for wheel or woe,

"into the unknown."

- [Narrator] After leaving Santa Fe, the dirt road

- [Narrator] After leaving Santa Fe, the dirt road

up to the site was rough, even for that day.

up to the site was rough, even for that day.

up to the site was rough, even for that day.

Once they crossed the Otowi bridge

Once they crossed the Otowi bridge

across the Rio Grande, they climbed up a steep road

across the Rio Grande, they climbed up a steep road

to the top of the mesa.

to the top of the mesa.

to the top of the mesa.

There they were met by the first security gate.

There they were met by the first security gate.

There they were met by the first security gate.

Once they made it in, it was a different world.

Once they made it in, it was a different world.

Once they made it in, it was a different world.

- It was a pretty desolate place.

- It was a pretty desolate place.

The buildings, both for the tech area,

The buildings, both for the tech area,

and for the living quarters were just being built,

and for the living quarters were just being built,

and for the living quarters were just being built,

and the one thing that was beautiful

and the one thing that was beautiful

was the view of the sun with the crystal

was the view of the sun with the crystal

was the view of the sun with the crystal

on the other side, but everything on the Los Alamos

on the other side, but everything on the Los Alamos

on the other side, but everything on the Los Alamos

plateau was in the mist.

plateau was in the mist.

- And my wife and son came too three weeks later.

- And my wife and son came too three weeks later.

I stayed in the big house,

and it was sort of a mess.

and it was sort of a mess.

It wasn't easy to sleep.

It wasn't easy to sleep.

It wasn't easy to sleep.

Feynman was beating his drum, which I did not like.

Feynman was beating his drum, which I did not like.

Feynman was beating his drum, which I did not like.

But apart from that,

of course the surroundings,

of course the surroundings,

I knew it was magnificent.

- It was war time.

- It was war time.

It struck me as being a military camp

It struck me as being a military camp

It struck me as being a military camp

with an influx of university people,

many of whom I knew, so I felt right at home.

many of whom I knew, so I felt right at home.

many of whom I knew, so I felt right at home.

And of course, famous European physicists

And of course, famous European physicists

who I'd never met, were quite common and walked about.

who I'd never met, were quite common and walked about.

- [Narrator] The British were part of the project.

- [Narrator] The British were part of the project.

- [Narrator] The British were part of the project.

They arrived as part of a mission to help work on the bomb.

They arrived as part of a mission to help work on the bomb.

They arrived as part of a mission to help work on the bomb.

Rows of four-family apartment houses spread to the west

Rows of four-family apartment houses spread to the west

Rows of four-family apartment houses spread to the west

and north, named Sunt homes, for the builder.

and north, named Sunt homes, for the builder.

and north, named Sunt homes, for the builder.

Barracks and dormitories, Quonset huts, and trailers,

Barracks and dormitories, Quonset huts, and trailers,

Barracks and dormitories, Quonset huts, and trailers,

everyone was a transplant from somewhere else.

everyone was a transplant from somewhere else.

Because of the mission, because of everything else

Because of the mission, because of everything else

on the hill, it became a tight-knit community

on the hill, it became a tight-knit community

of scientists, spouses, children, and military personnel.

of scientists, spouses, children, and military personnel.

of scientists, spouses, children, and military personnel.

of scientists, spouses, children, and military personnel.

Most people were in their twenties or thirties.

Most people were in their twenties or thirties.

The average age was 25.

The average age was 25.

They were healthy and middle class.

There was no unemployment.

There was no unemployment.

What you did at the lab dictated your social standing,

What you did at the lab dictated your social standing,

What you did at the lab dictated your social standing,

as well as the quality of your housing.

as well as the quality of your housing.

- From our point of view, it was wonderful.

- From our point of view, it was wonderful.

We really had a better place to live.

First place there were plenty of food, meat,

First place there were plenty of food, meat,

First place there were plenty of food, meat,

this was the days of rationing.

A lot of people there had pretty miserable times

A lot of people there had pretty miserable times

A lot of people there had pretty miserable times

in their apartments, which were very cheap

in their apartments, which were very cheap

in their apartments, which were very cheap

and rather shoddy construction,

and rather shoddy construction,

and rather shoddy construction,

to the disappointment of many of the Europeans

to the disappointment of many of the Europeans

they also did not have bathtubs.

they also did not have bathtubs.

But they were also though the acoustic separation

But they were also though the acoustic separation

of adjacent houses was pretty feeble.

of adjacent houses was pretty feeble.

I mean you always knew when your neighbors

I mean you always knew when your neighbors

I mean you always knew when your neighbors

were having a party.

- [Narrator] Some senior lab officials

- [Narrator] Some senior lab officials

- [Narrator] Some senior lab officials

lived in homes previously used by the schoolmasters.

lived in homes previously used by the schoolmasters.

lived in homes previously used by the schoolmasters.

It became known as Bathtub Row, since they were

It became known as Bathtub Row, since they were

the only places that had them.

the only places that had them.

In the beginning of April 1943, Oppenheimer assembled

In the beginning of April 1943, Oppenheimer assembled

the staff, then about 30, for a series of introductory

the staff, then about 30, for a series of introductory

the staff, then about 30, for a series of introductory

lectures by his collaborator, Robert Serber.

lectures by his collaborator, Robert Serber.

lectures by his collaborator, Robert Serber.

To sum up the studies of the weapon from the previous

To sum up the studies of the weapon from the previous

summer in Berkeley.

summer in Berkeley.

summer in Berkeley.

It also incorporated research done on fission

It also incorporated research done on fission

over the past year.

over the past year.

It was determined that explosive means would do the job

It was determined that explosive means would do the job

by taking a subcritical mass and making it critical

by taking a subcritical mass and making it critical

by taking a subcritical mass and making it critical

so the radioactive material would detonate.

so the radioactive material would detonate.

Two methods to do that had been devised.

Two methods to do that had been devised.

Two methods to do that had been devised.

One was a gun method where two halves

of subcritical material were shot together

of subcritical material were shot together

of subcritical material were shot together

to form the critical mass, starting the nuclear detonation.

to form the critical mass, starting the nuclear detonation.

to form the critical mass, starting the nuclear detonation.

It was discovered the gun method would work with uranium

It was discovered the gun method would work with uranium

It was discovered the gun method would work with uranium

but not with plutonium.

- With plutonium there is spontaneous fission,

- With plutonium there is spontaneous fission,

- With plutonium there is spontaneous fission,

and that produced neutrons all the time.

and that produced neutrons all the time.

And at a sufficiently high rate, that if you had

And at a sufficiently high rate, that if you had

And at a sufficiently high rate, that if you had

a gun assembly in shooting two pieces together

a gun assembly in shooting two pieces together

before they got together big enough

before they got together big enough

to have a big explosion, they would so-called pre-detonate.

to have a big explosion, they would so-called pre-detonate.

to have a big explosion, they would so-called pre-detonate.

to have a big explosion, they would so-called pre-detonate.

- General Groves had proposed a very stupid way of assembly,

- General Groves had proposed a very stupid way of assembly,

- General Groves had proposed a very stupid way of assembly,

which we all made fun of.

which we all made fun of.

He gave Neddermeyer the idea of the implosions,

He gave Neddermeyer the idea of the implosions,

which in the end turned out to be the way to do it.

which in the end turned out to be the way to do it.

- Suddenly the top priority really shifted

- Suddenly the top priority really shifted

over to the plutonium bottle.

over to the plutonium bottle.

- [Narrator] The gun method was the easiest,

- [Narrator] The gun method was the easiest,

- [Narrator] The gun method was the easiest,

but the science of implosion

would have to be developed also.

would have to be developed also.

would have to be developed also.

It required science and engineering that would enable

It required science and engineering that would enable

simultaneous and uniform compression of plutonium.

simultaneous and uniform compression of plutonium.

simultaneous and uniform compression of plutonium.

Because nothing like this had ever been created,

Because nothing like this had ever been created,

Because nothing like this had ever been created,

the plutonium weapon would also have to be tested.

the plutonium weapon would also have to be tested.

It would be months before the first significant amounts

It would be months before the first significant amounts

of nuclear material would be delivered.

of nuclear material would be delivered.

of nuclear material would be delivered.

Before that could happen, there were many questions

Before that could happen, there were many questions

which came down to the central problem,

which came down to the central problem,

which came down to the central problem,

how to make the fissionable material, the uranium-235

how to make the fissionable material, the uranium-235

or the plutonium-239, release their energy efficiently,

or the plutonium-239, release their energy efficiently,

at the right time, in a casing an airplane could deliver?

at the right time, in a casing an airplane could deliver?

at the right time, in a casing an airplane could deliver?

at the right time, in a casing an airplane could deliver?

One of the biggest problems was extracting U-235

One of the biggest problems was extracting U-235

from U-238.

from U-238.

That was the job of the plant at Oak Ridge Tennessee.

That was the job of the plant at Oak Ridge Tennessee.

That was the job of the plant at Oak Ridge Tennessee.

A gas diffusion method was used where thousands of stages

A gas diffusion method was used where thousands of stages

of the operation, thousands of miles of piping,

of the operation, thousands of miles of piping,

and hundreds of acres of barriers were used

and hundreds of acres of barriers were used

and hundreds of acres of barriers were used

to produce the metal from the uranium enriched gas.

to produce the metal from the uranium enriched gas.

to produce the metal from the uranium enriched gas.

Also used were an electromagnetic separation,

Also used were an electromagnetic separation,

and thermal diffusion method,

and thermal diffusion method,

to produce and refine the material.

Oak Ridge employed thousands of workers.

Oak Ridge employed thousands of workers.

Oak Ridge employed thousands of workers.

A team had also been assembled in Chicago by Glenn Seaborg

A team had also been assembled in Chicago by Glenn Seaborg

A team had also been assembled in Chicago by Glenn Seaborg

to devise a method for extracting plutonium.

to devise a method for extracting plutonium.

to devise a method for extracting plutonium.

Hanford Washington was selected as the location

Hanford Washington was selected as the location

to build reactors for its extraction,

to build reactors for its extraction,

but Hanford depended as much on chemical separation

but Hanford depended as much on chemical separation

but Hanford depended as much on chemical separation

as it did on the reactors.

as it did on the reactors.

as it did on the reactors.

The chemistry was Glenn Seaborg's,

The chemistry was Glenn Seaborg's,

massively scaled up from his University of Chicago team's

massively scaled up from his University of Chicago team's

massively scaled up from his University of Chicago team's

ultra microchemical work.

- We had been working with what's called tracer amounts,

- We had been working with what's called tracer amounts,

- We had been working with what's called tracer amounts,

invisible amounts, detected by its radioactivity,

invisible amounts, detected by its radioactivity,

but we couldn't deduce the chemical properties

but we couldn't deduce the chemical properties

but we couldn't deduce the chemical properties

with certainty that way.

We needed to work with actual ponderable weighable amounts

We needed to work with actual ponderable weighable amounts

We needed to work with actual ponderable weighable amounts

and that's why we produced weighable amounts of plutonium

and that's why we produced weighable amounts of plutonium

and that's why we produced weighable amounts of plutonium

in this way.

in this way.

This meant that we had to work,

This meant that we had to work,

I say we, the chemists working with me,

I say we, the chemists working with me,

I say we, the chemists working with me,

on what they call an ultra microchemical scale.

on what they call an ultra microchemical scale.

- [Narrator] Slowly, the material started coming

- [Narrator] Slowly, the material started coming

to Los Alamos in September 1944.

to Los Alamos in September 1944.

For those in Los Alamos who were not part of the project

For those in Los Alamos who were not part of the project

For those in Los Alamos who were not part of the project

life also continued.

All mail to Los Alamos came to PO box 1663 in Santa Fe.

All mail to Los Alamos came to PO box 1663 in Santa Fe.

All mail to Los Alamos came to PO box 1663 in Santa Fe.

Everyone had the same address.

Babies born at the lab had it as their place of birth.

Babies born at the lab had it as their place of birth.

Babies born at the lab had it as their place of birth.

It was the address on drivers' licenses,

It was the address on drivers' licenses,

It was the address on drivers' licenses,

auto registrations, bank accounts, ration coupons,

auto registrations, bank accounts, ration coupons,

auto registrations, bank accounts, ration coupons,

income tax returns, and insurance policies.

income tax returns, and insurance policies.

Los Alamos was an army post,

Los Alamos was an army post,

one that had more civilians than military personnel.

one that had more civilians than military personnel.

one that had more civilians than military personnel.

In the first year, 80 babies were born.

In the first year, 80 babies were born.

By 1945, there were over 300 infants at the site.

By 1945, there were over 300 infants at the site.

The births got to be so much of a concern

The births got to be so much of a concern

to General Groves, he almost literally ordered

to General Groves, he almost literally ordered

Oppenheimer to stop the population explosion.

Oppenheimer to stop the population explosion.

Oppenheimer to stop the population explosion.

The population doubled every nine months.

The population doubled every nine months.

Housing would always be short, water scarce,

Housing would always be short, water scarce,

and electricity intermittent.

and electricity intermittent.

The threat of structure fire was always in the back

The threat of structure fire was always in the back

of everyone's mind.

of everyone's mind.

of everyone's mind.

Then there was security.

Residents could not travel more than 100 miles

Residents could not travel more than 100 miles

Residents could not travel more than 100 miles

from Los Alamos.

from Los Alamos.

If you ran into a friend on the outside of the project,

If you ran into a friend on the outside of the project,

If you ran into a friend on the outside of the project,

you had to give a detailed report to security.

you had to give a detailed report to security.

Famous names were disguised.

Famous names were disguised.

Occupations were never mentioned.

Occupations were never mentioned.

Everyone was an engineer.

Everyone was an engineer.

The word physicist was forbidden.

The word physicist was forbidden.

The word physicist was forbidden.

All mail was censored, all long-distance calls

All mail was censored, all long-distance calls

were monitored, which was easy, since there was

were monitored, which was easy, since there was

only one phone line in 1943.

only one phone line in 1943.

only one phone line in 1943.

By 1945, there were three.

By 1945, there were three.

The entire project was surrounded

by high barbed-wire fences, and patrolled

by high barbed-wire fences, and patrolled

by high barbed-wire fences, and patrolled

by mounted guards.

Work weeks were six days, 12 to 14 hour days were normal.

Work weeks were six days, 12 to 14 hour days were normal.

Work weeks were six days, 12 to 14 hour days were normal.

Saturday nights, they partied.

Saturday nights, they partied.

Saturday nights, they partied.

They were big and small, and were an integral part

They were big and small, and were an integral part

of life on the mesa.

of life on the mesa.

- I remember the young people had many parties, and so on.

- I remember the young people had many parties, and so on.

We would tend to go to a dinner with six people.

We would tend to go to a dinner with six people.

We would tend to go to a dinner with six people.

What would you would do in any university town.

What would you would do in any university town.

- [Narrator] Several affairs were usually scheduled

- [Narrator] Several affairs were usually scheduled

every Saturday night.

every Saturday night.

Single men and women scheduled dorm parties

Single men and women scheduled dorm parties

that were fueled by mixtures of mixed liquors

that were fueled by mixtures of mixed liquors

that were fueled by mixtures of mixed liquors

and tech area grain alcohol.

and tech area grain alcohol.

The furniture was pushed back for dancing,

The furniture was pushed back for dancing,

and parties often lasted well into the night.

and parties often lasted well into the night.

- My wife and I both enjoyed square dancing,

- My wife and I both enjoyed square dancing,

so usually in fuller launch they had a square dance

so usually in fuller launch they had a square dance

so usually in fuller launch they had a square dance

once every, once a month, maybe twice a month.

once every, once a month, maybe twice a month.

once every, once a month, maybe twice a month.

- Sundays were our picnics.

Went to the mountains, went to the Indian pueblo,

Went to the mountains, went to the Indian pueblo,

Went to the mountains, went to the Indian pueblo,

went to the ruins, sometimes went even to Santa Fe

went to the ruins, sometimes went even to Santa Fe

if we could afford the gas.

if we could afford the gas.

And so on.

It was a good time.

It was an intense time.

It was an intense time.

We all worked, I think it'd be fair to say 60 hour weeks.

We all worked, I think it'd be fair to say 60 hour weeks.

We all worked, I think it'd be fair to say 60 hour weeks.

And we worked on Saturday by rule, so to speak,

And we worked on Saturday by rule, so to speak,

by routine, Sunday was the only day off.

by routine, Sunday was the only day off.

by routine, Sunday was the only day off.

- [Narrator] The work, governed by the urgency

of events waged on the battlefields in Europe

of events waged on the battlefields in Europe

of events waged on the battlefields in Europe

and in the Pacific, never got easier.

and in the Pacific, never got easier.

But those working on the bomb

But those working on the bomb

But those working on the bomb

felt that they had the science.

It was the engineering that created the problems.

It was the engineering that created the problems.

It was the engineering that created the problems.

- I think that a myth has arisen, partly just through

- I think that a myth has arisen, partly just through

the circumstances, which is how difficult it was.

the circumstances, which is how difficult it was.

the circumstances, which is how difficult it was.

What a feat, what an intellectual feat it was, and so on.

What a feat, what an intellectual feat it was, and so on.

What a feat, what an intellectual feat it was, and so on.

Some of that is self-serving, the scientists liked to say

Some of that is self-serving, the scientists liked to say

it was difficult.

it was difficult.

And it looked difficult, but it wasn't very difficult.

And it looked difficult, but it wasn't very difficult.

- I entirely agree with Phillip Morrison on this one.

- I entirely agree with Phillip Morrison on this one.

- I entirely agree with Phillip Morrison on this one.

It was engineering.

- [Narrator] Work on the gun type weapon moved ahead,

- [Narrator] Work on the gun type weapon moved ahead,

- [Narrator] Work on the gun type weapon moved ahead,

but work on the implosion weapon was slow, frustrating,

but work on the implosion weapon was slow, frustrating,

but work on the implosion weapon was slow, frustrating,

and at times, seemingly hopeless

detailed quantitative data on the effects

detailed quantitative data on the effects

of such a new weapon was needed.

of such a new weapon was needed.

of such a new weapon was needed.

No one knew exactly how powerful the weapon would be.

No one knew exactly how powerful the weapon would be.

No one knew exactly how powerful the weapon would be.

In late 1943, planning for the test was begun.

In late 1943, planning for the test was begun.

In late 1943, planning for the test was begun.

The site that was selected was on the Alamogordo

The site that was selected was on the Alamogordo

bombing range in central New Mexico

bombing range in central New Mexico

bombing range in central New Mexico

on the Jornada del Muerto.

It was 210 miles south of Los Alamos,

It was 210 miles south of Los Alamos,

It was 210 miles south of Los Alamos,

27 miles from the nearest town,

and 12 miles from the nearest inhabitant.

and 12 miles from the nearest inhabitant.

and 12 miles from the nearest inhabitant.

In November 1944, construction of the base camp began.

In November 1944, construction of the base camp began.

In November 1944, construction of the base camp began.

The test was initially scheduled for July 4th.

The test was initially scheduled for July 4th.

The test was initially scheduled for July 4th.

The activity at the test site increased,

The activity at the test site increased,

despite things like snakes, scorpions, heat, and dust.

despite things like snakes, scorpions, heat, and dust.

Herds of antelope and some range beef

Herds of antelope and some range beef

started to disappear, showing up on the menu.

started to disappear, showing up on the menu.

started to disappear, showing up on the menu.

Hunting often took place with the aid of sub machine guns.

Hunting often took place with the aid of sub machine guns.

Hunting often took place with the aid of sub machine guns.

On April 12th, 1945, President Franklin Roosevelt died.

On April 12th, 1945, President Franklin Roosevelt died.

Flags across the country and around the world

Flags across the country and around the world

flew at half-staff, including the flag

flew at half-staff, including the flag

at the test site named Trinity by Oppenheimer.

at the test site named Trinity by Oppenheimer.

at the test site named Trinity by Oppenheimer.

Sworn in to take up leadership of the country

Sworn in to take up leadership of the country

was then vice president Harry Truman.

was then vice president Harry Truman.

Less than a month later, on May 8th,

Less than a month later, on May 8th,

the war in Europe, which had been raging since 1939,

the war in Europe, which had been raging since 1939,

the war in Europe, which had been raging since 1939,

ended with the surrender of the German forces.

ended with the surrender of the German forces.

ended with the surrender of the German forces.

The race to beat Hitler in building an atom bomb

The race to beat Hitler in building an atom bomb

was at an end.

was at an end.

As worried as the US government was about the Nazis

As worried as the US government was about the Nazis

developing a nuclear bomb, there had been

developing a nuclear bomb, there had been

developing a nuclear bomb, there had been

no major intelligence effort to try and find out

no major intelligence effort to try and find out

no major intelligence effort to try and find out

the extent of their progress during the war.

the extent of their progress during the war.

the extent of their progress during the war.

But as the Allies advanced into Germany,

But as the Allies advanced into Germany,

a team of paramilitary operatives

a team of paramilitary operatives

working for General Groves searched for evidence

working for General Groves searched for evidence

of a German nuclear effort.

of a German nuclear effort.

Among their finds, Germany did not have an atomic bomb,

Among their finds, Germany did not have an atomic bomb,

and was not likely to have had one anytime soon.

and was not likely to have had one anytime soon.

and was not likely to have had one anytime soon.

and was not likely to have had one anytime soon.

But there was still the war in the Pacific

But there was still the war in the Pacific

against the Japanese.

The work at Los Alamos continued.

Seth Neddermeyer and other explosives experts

Seth Neddermeyer and other explosives experts

Seth Neddermeyer and other explosives experts

had been laboring to discover the nature

had been laboring to discover the nature

had been laboring to discover the nature

of creating a symmetrical implosion.

of creating a symmetrical implosion.

Lenses were created, explosive lenses that would focus

Lenses were created, explosive lenses that would focus

the shockwave inward to compress the subcritical mass

the shockwave inward to compress the subcritical mass

to critical.

to critical.

At S Site, near Los Alamos, high explosives were mixed

At S Site, near Los Alamos, high explosives were mixed

At S Site, near Los Alamos, high explosives were mixed

to form the cocoon the fissionable material would rest in.

to form the cocoon the fissionable material would rest in.

to form the cocoon the fissionable material would rest in.

The molds for the lenses were the biggest problems.

The molds for the lenses were the biggest problems.

The molten explosive had to be cooled just right

The molten explosive had to be cooled just right

The molten explosive had to be cooled just right

to prevent air bubbles, which would interfere

to prevent air bubbles, which would interfere

with the detonation.

with the detonation.

The lenses required precision casting

The lenses required precision casting

with machine finishing.

with machine finishing.

Tolerances for the hundred or so pieces

Tolerances for the hundred or so pieces

had to fit together within a few thousandths of an inch.

had to fit together within a few thousandths of an inch.

had to fit together within a few thousandths of an inch.

Things still fell behind schedule.

The test date was moved back.

The test date was moved back.

The test date was moved back.

In order to accurately calibrate the instrumentation

In order to accurately calibrate the instrumentation

for the test, another test, one using

for the test, another test, one using

only high explosives, was needed.

only high explosives, was needed.

only high explosives, was needed.

A dress rehearsal of 100 tons of TNT was planned for.

A dress rehearsal of 100 tons of TNT was planned for.

A dress rehearsal of 100 tons of TNT was planned for.

Hundreds of crates of high explosives were stacked

Hundreds of crates of high explosives were stacked

on the platform of a 20 foot tower.

on the platform of a 20 foot tower.

Tubes of low level nuclear material were scattered

Tubes of low level nuclear material were scattered

Tubes of low level nuclear material were scattered

throughout the explosives to simulate

throughout the explosives to simulate

the radioactive product of a nuclear blast.

the radioactive product of a nuclear blast.

the radioactive product of a nuclear blast.

Everything was set to a scale to match the expected

Everything was set to a scale to match the expected

effects of the nuclear test shot.

effects of the nuclear test shot.

effects of the nuclear test shot.

On May 7th, the high explosive was detonated.

On May 7th, the high explosive was detonated.

The orange fire ball was seen 60 miles away.

The orange fire ball was seen 60 miles away.

But what if the real test was unsuccessful?

But what if the real test was unsuccessful?

The fissionable material might be lost

The fissionable material might be lost

from the detonation of the high explosives surrounding it.

from the detonation of the high explosives surrounding it.

from the detonation of the high explosives surrounding it.

The decision was made early on to contain any misfire

The decision was made early on to contain any misfire

inside a huge steel vessel.

inside a huge steel vessel.

It was 25 feet long, 12 feet in diameter,

It was 25 feet long, 12 feet in diameter,

14 inches thick, and weighed 214 tons.

14 inches thick, and weighed 214 tons.

14 inches thick, and weighed 214 tons.

It was called Jumbo.

By the time it was delivered, though,

By the time it was delivered, though,

By the time it was delivered, though,

production of the fissionable material had increased

production of the fissionable material had increased

and there was greater confidence in the success

and there was greater confidence in the success

of the bomb.

of the bomb.

Use of Jumbo was canceled.

Instead, it was hung from a tower 800 yards

Instead, it was hung from a tower 800 yards

from ground zero.

from ground zero.

Senior scientists started a betting pool

Senior scientists started a betting pool

on the bomb's yield.

on the bomb's yield.

- I bet on the number that our leader had predicted,

- I bet on the number that our leader had predicted,

- I bet on the number that our leader had predicted,

namely eight kilotons.

- [Narrator] Edward Teller bet high.

- [Narrator] Edward Teller bet high.

45,000 tons.

- I bet, I was the only one, who lost the pool,

- I bet, I was the only one, who lost the pool,

because I bet too high.

Practically everybody else bet too low.

Practically everybody else bet too low.

- [Narrator] Norman Ramsay bet low.

- [Narrator] Norman Ramsay bet low.

- And I bet zero, and I think that was the most intelligent

- And I bet zero, and I think that was the most intelligent

bet of any because zero included not only zero,

bet of any because zero included not only zero,

bet of any because zero included not only zero,

bet of any because zero included not only zero,

but it also included the first 25 generations of neutrons.

but it also included the first 25 generations of neutrons.

I mean, this is an exponentially growing thing,

I mean, this is an exponentially growing thing,

so it's probably the first 35 generations of neutrons,

so it's probably the first 35 generations of neutrons,

and it stopped anywhere along there, it would be zero

and it stopped anywhere along there, it would be zero

and it stopped anywhere along there, it would be zero

in the scale that they had.

in the scale that they had.

So I had the biggest number of, statistically

So I had the biggest number of, statistically

the best chance of winning.

the best chance of winning.

- I think that gives you a bit of a quantitative estimate.

- I think that gives you a bit of a quantitative estimate.

- I think that gives you a bit of a quantitative estimate.

How very doubtful we had been at that time,

How very doubtful we had been at that time,

and you know, I cannot see into the souls of other people.

and you know, I cannot see into the souls of other people.

I was very much interested, if not worried

I was very much interested, if not worried

what would happen.

what would happen.

what would happen.

- [Narrator] Los Alamos started sending down

those who needed to be at the test site,

those who needed to be at the test site,

those who needed to be at the test site,

but as the test date drew closer, there was a nagging

but as the test date drew closer, there was a nagging

uncertainty about whether the bomb

uncertainty about whether the bomb

would actually work at all.

would actually work at all.

In a meeting before the test, Hans Betha described

In a meeting before the test, Hans Betha described

In a meeting before the test, Hans Betha described

all that was known about the bomb,

all that was known about the bomb,

and what wasn't.

and what wasn't.

- Critchfield and I overruled Fermi

- Critchfield and I overruled Fermi

in this very dangerous thing to do,

in this very dangerous thing to do,

in this very dangerous thing to do,

because Fermi was almost always right,

because Fermi was almost always right,

but we overruled him,

but we overruled him,

and so I felt uncertain for that reason.

and so I felt uncertain for that reason.

- What was thought during the war wasnn't very often

- What was thought during the war wasnn't very often

we kept saying maybe we'll come across something insuperable

we kept saying maybe we'll come across something insuperable

we kept saying maybe we'll come across something insuperable

we kept saying maybe we'll come across something insuperable

physical obstacle which prevents it from working.

physical obstacle which prevents it from working.

You can easily imagine those things.

You can easily imagine those things.

You can easily imagine those things.

For example, a little delay in the emission

For example, a little delay in the emission

of fast neutrons after fission.

of fast neutrons after fission.

- [Narrator] They would know only if the gadget detonated.

- [Narrator] They would know only if the gadget detonated.

Three areas were of prime importance.

Three areas were of prime importance.

Three areas were of prime importance.

First, implosion studies.

First, implosion studies.

The release of nuclear energy in the form of gamma rays.

The release of nuclear energy in the form of gamma rays.

The release of nuclear energy in the form of gamma rays.

Second was damage measurement, and third was blast effect,

Second was damage measurement, and third was blast effect,

Second was damage measurement, and third was blast effect,

earth shock, and radiant heating.

earth shock, and radiant heating.

Reinforced shelters had been built at 10,000 yards

Reinforced shelters had been built at 10,000 yards

Reinforced shelters had been built at 10,000 yards

north, west, and south of ground zero

for cameras to record and scientists to observe the blast.

for cameras to record and scientists to observe the blast.

for cameras to record and scientists to observe the blast.

One camera, rigged by Berlyn Brixner,

One camera, rigged by Berlyn Brixner,

One camera, rigged by Berlyn Brixner,

would shoot color, the rest black and white.

would shoot color, the rest black and white.

would shoot color, the rest black and white.

Besides running at normal speed, some would be

Besides running at normal speed, some would be

running as fast as 8,000 frames per second.

running as fast as 8,000 frames per second.

- It would take pictures, and then it was fastened

- It would take pictures, and then it was fastened

to a steel cable, and that could be used to pull

to a steel cable, and that could be used to pull

to a steel cable, and that could be used to pull

those cameras out of that area, which would be

those cameras out of that area, which would be

too radioactive to go in at all at that time.

too radioactive to go in at all at that time.

too radioactive to go in at all at that time.

- [Narrator] On July 7th, Norris Bradbury,

- [Narrator] On July 7th, Norris Bradbury,

who was group leader for bomb assembly,

who was group leader for bomb assembly,

who was group leader for bomb assembly,

began putting components through loading tests

began putting components through loading tests

and assembly dry runs in Los Alamos.

and assembly dry runs in Los Alamos.

and assembly dry runs in Los Alamos.

By the following Thursday the 12th,

By the following Thursday the 12th,

assembly of the high explosives fear

assembly of the high explosives fear

began at V site.

began at V site.

The next day, the preassembled explosives unit

The next day, the preassembled explosives unit

The next day, the preassembled explosives unit

left for Trinity Site.

250 men from Los Alamos were already there.

250 men from Los Alamos were already there.

250 men from Los Alamos were already there.

They were now working against time,

They were now working against time,

along with everyone else still at Los Alamos.

along with everyone else still at Los Alamos.

along with everyone else still at Los Alamos.

By now, plutonium delivered to Los Alamos

By now, plutonium delivered to Los Alamos

had been shaped into hemispheres.

had been shaped into hemispheres.

On July 11th, they made the trip to Trinity

On July 11th, they made the trip to Trinity

along with other components in the backseat

along with other components in the backseat

of a well-guarded sedan.

of a well-guarded sedan.

- I remember being rather afraid of the fast-driving

- I remember being rather afraid of the fast-driving

young woman who drove us down there with a convoy

young woman who drove us down there with a convoy

young woman who drove us down there with a convoy

young woman who drove us down there with a convoy

who was a really high speed, pedal to the floor,

who was a really high speed, pedal to the floor,

all the way, driver.

all the way, driver.

That was the scariest thing.

That was the scariest thing.

- [Narrator] At ground zero, a 100 foot

prefabricated steel tower had been built.

prefabricated steel tower had been built.

prefabricated steel tower had been built.

It was braced for an electric winch

It was braced for an electric winch

to haul the gadget to an oak platform at the top.

to haul the gadget to an oak platform at the top.

to haul the gadget to an oak platform at the top.

On Friday July 13th, starting at nine a.m.,

On Friday July 13th, starting at nine a.m.,

the pit, as the core would be known, was assembled

the pit, as the core would be known, was assembled

in a sealed and thoroughly cleaned room

in a sealed and thoroughly cleaned room

in a sealed and thoroughly cleaned room

at the McDonald Ranch near Ground zero.

at the McDonald Ranch near Ground zero.

Before assembly began, a receipt was signed

Before assembly began, a receipt was signed

for the plutonium, value at least several

for the plutonium, value at least several

hundred million dollars.

hundred million dollars.

hundred million dollars.

At the moment the receipt was signed,

the test shifted to military control.

the test shifted to military control.

the test shifted to military control.

Though the number of parts were few,

Though the number of parts were few,

assembly took several hours.

assembly took several hours.

The core was then taken to the tower.

The core was then taken to the tower.

Final assembly of the bomb began in a canvas tent

Final assembly of the bomb began in a canvas tent

at the base of the tower.

at the base of the tower.

at the base of the tower.

There were a few moments of concern

There were a few moments of concern

when the core did not fit in the center of the device,

when the core did not fit in the center of the device,

when the core did not fit in the center of the device,

but once the temperature of the bomb shell

but once the temperature of the bomb shell

and explosives equalized to the ambient temperature

and explosives equalized to the ambient temperature

the pit slipped smoothly into place.

the pit slipped smoothly into place.

the pit slipped smoothly into place.

The next day, the tent was removed,

and the gadget with its core was hoisted

and the gadget with its core was hoisted

and the gadget with its core was hoisted

to the top of the tower.

Only the detonators had not been installed.

Only the detonators had not been installed.

Only the detonators had not been installed.

The openings where they would be inserted

The openings where they would be inserted

gave the bomb a bandaged look.

gave the bomb a bandaged look.

- We made measurements of that thing

every few hours

every few hours

to see if it was behaving properly.

to see if it was behaving properly.

Because it was the first one that had been

Because it was the first one that had been

Because it was the first one that had been

left out of the laboratory for any length of time,

left out of the laboratory for any length of time,

and so somebody was there, somebody in my group

and so somebody was there, somebody in my group

and so somebody was there, somebody in my group

had to climb up and measure something

had to climb up and measure something

and come back down again every few hours.

and come back down again every few hours.

- [Narrator] The weather, still a concern,

- [Narrator] The weather, still a concern,

- [Narrator] The weather, still a concern,

started to turn dark with thunder and lightning

started to turn dark with thunder and lightning

as test day arrived.

as test day arrived.

It started to rain.

Would the test be able to go on?

Would the test be able to go on?

Would the test be able to go on?

Midnight, July 16th.

- Extraordinary, I mean very hard to sleep,

- Extraordinary, I mean very hard to sleep,

very hard to get your minds off all the things

very hard to get your minds off all the things

very hard to get your minds off all the things

that might have gone wrong, very hard not to think

that might have gone wrong, very hard not to think

about the implications.

But you know, we were all consumed with the job,

But you know, we were all consumed with the job,

But you know, we were all consumed with the job,

especially this crucial one, a test fire to see

especially this crucial one, a test fire to see

if this whole idea would work,

if this whole idea would work,

and that was in everyone's mind I think.

and that was in everyone's mind I think.

and that was in everyone's mind I think.

- Everybody was extremely excited

to see if it actually would turn out

to see if it actually would turn out

to be that way, because no one really knew

to be that way, because no one really knew

to be that way, because no one really knew

whether the thing would work or not.

whether the thing would work or not.

whether the thing would work or not.

- [Narrator] By two a.m., the weather started

to look better.

to look better.

to look better.

The shot, which was originally scheduled

The shot, which was originally scheduled

for four a.m., was postponed to 5:30.

for four a.m., was postponed to 5:30.

At four a.m., the rain stopped.

At four a.m., the rain stopped.

At 4:45, an updated weather report came in

At 4:45, an updated weather report came in

At 4:45, an updated weather report came in

showing improved conditions.

The test was ago for 5:30.

The test was ago for 5:30.

The test was ago for 5:30.

At 5:09:45, T-minus 20 minutes,

At 5:09:45, T-minus 20 minutes,

At 5:09:45, T-minus 20 minutes,

the master switches were unlocked.

the master switches were unlocked.

The countdown had begun.

At viewing sites around Trinity,

At viewing sites around Trinity,

At viewing sites around Trinity,

everyone was told to lie face down

with their feet towards the blast,

with their feet towards the blast,

and close and cover their eyes.

and close and cover their eyes.

- We were all given welder's glasses.

- We were all given welder's glasses.

- We were all given welder's glasses.

Not to be blinded.

I took dark glasses in addition to welder's glasses.

I took dark glasses in addition to welder's glasses.

Then I put some ointment on my face

and then I put on gloves

to be protected against all eventuality.

- They didn't allow many people, but they did allow me,

- They didn't allow many people, but they did allow me,

- They didn't allow many people, but they did allow me,

and I looked with, I had one eye protected,

and I looked with, I had one eye protected,

and I looked with, I had one eye protected,

I couldn't look with both eyes,

and so I was looking with just one eye.

and so I was looking with just one eye.

and so I was looking with just one eye.

- There were three of us,

one of the other people who was with us

one of the other people who was with us

at that time was Ken Greisen, who later went to Cornell,

at that time was Ken Greisen, who later went to Cornell,

at that time was Ken Greisen, who later went to Cornell,

who'd been in the explosive division.

who'd been in the explosive division.

He'd done his work.

He'd done his work.

And he was next to Robbie on one side, I guess,

And he was next to Robbie on one side, I guess,

or yeah, next to him,

and I think Fermi was a couple over,

and I think Fermi was a couple over,

and Robbie was really getting quite excited,

and Robbie was really getting quite excited,

and Robbie was really getting quite excited,

you know, what's gonna happen.

you know, what's gonna happen.

And Greisen was very relaxed,

And Greisen was very relaxed,

And Greisen was very relaxed,

and Robbie said gee aren't you going to get excited?

and Robbie said gee aren't you going to get excited?

and Robbie said gee aren't you going to get excited?

No, it's calm.

If you've been doing a lot of work with explosives

If you've been doing a lot of work with explosives

you get fairly calm, I guess you have to,

you get fairly calm, I guess you have to,

you get fairly calm, I guess you have to,

and he was fairly calm and Robbie said

and he was fairly calm and Robbie said

well you tell me when you get excited.

well you tell me when you get excited.

- [Narrator] As the final minute approached,

- [Narrator] As the final minute approached,

- [Narrator] As the final minute approached,

General Groves had thoughts of his own.

General Groves had thoughts of his own.

- [Man] "The quiet grew more intense.

- [Man] "The quiet grew more intense.

"As I lay there in the final seconds, I thought

"As I lay there in the final seconds, I thought

"of what I would do if the countdown got to zero

"of what I would do if the countdown got to zero

"and nothing happened."

"and nothing happened."

"and nothing happened."

- [Narrator] At the control point, General Farrow

- [Narrator] At the control point, General Farrow

Groves' depute wrote--

Groves' depute wrote--

- [Man] "The scene inside the shelter

"was dramatic beyond words.

"was dramatic beyond words.

"was dramatic beyond words.

"It can be safely said that most everyone was praying.

"It can be safely said that most everyone was praying.

"It can be safely said that most everyone was praying.

"Oppenheimer grew tenser as the seconds ticked off.

"Oppenheimer grew tenser as the seconds ticked off.

"He scarcely breathed."

"He scarcely breathed."

- [Narrator] At 45 seconds, the automatic timer was started.

- [Narrator] At 45 seconds, the automatic timer was started.

- [Narrator] At 45 seconds, the automatic timer was started.

The test was now out of man's control.

The test was now out of man's control.

Physicist Kenneth Greisen who was normally

Physicist Kenneth Greisen who was normally

the cool-headed one, changed his mind.

the cool-headed one, changed his mind.

the cool-headed one, changed his mind.

- Minus 30 seconds, minus 15 seconds,

at minus 15 seconds, Greisen turned to Robbie

at minus 15 seconds, Greisen turned to Robbie

at minus 15 seconds, Greisen turned to Robbie

and said I'm excited.

and said I'm excited.

- [Announcer] Five, four, three, two, one.

- [Announcer] Five, four, three, two, one.

(deep rumbling)

(deep rumbling)

- [Narrator] In the dead silence of the morning,

at 5:29:45 Mountain War Time,

at 5:29:45 Mountain War Time,

at 5:29:45 Mountain War Time,

the Jornada del Muerto was bathed in an intense flash

the Jornada del Muerto was bathed in an intense flash

the Jornada del Muerto was bathed in an intense flash

of a light that man had only seen from the stars.

of a light that man had only seen from the stars.

of a light that man had only seen from the stars.

- [Man] "Most experiences in life can be comprehended

- [Man] "Most experiences in life can be comprehended

"by previous experience, but the atom bomb

"by previous experience, but the atom bomb

"did not fit into any preconception possessed by anybody."

"did not fit into any preconception possessed by anybody."

"did not fit into any preconception possessed by anybody."

Norris Bradbury.

Norris Bradbury.

- [Narrator] The light from the blast was the one place

- [Narrator] The light from the blast was the one place

where theoretical calculation had been way off.

where theoretical calculation had been way off.

where theoretical calculation had been way off.

In the instrument bunker at 10,000 north,

In the instrument bunker at 10,000 north,

In the instrument bunker at 10,000 north,

Berlyn Brixner was caught off guard.

Berlyn Brixner was caught off guard.

Berlyn Brixner was caught off guard.

- But then I realized that the ball of fire

- But then I realized that the ball of fire

was moving up, so I grabbed the controls

was moving up, so I grabbed the controls

was moving up, so I grabbed the controls

of the camera, and turned the camera up

of the camera, and turned the camera up

and so you see it abruptly, it just suddenly jerks up.

and so you see it abruptly, it just suddenly jerks up.

and so you see it abruptly, it just suddenly jerks up.

- I was looking straight at hot spot

- I was looking straight at hot spot

- I was looking straight at hot spot

that appeared a very small point of light.

that appeared a very small point of light.

And my first impression was, I very distinctly remember,

And my first impression was, I very distinctly remember,

And my first impression was, I very distinctly remember,

And my first impression was, I very distinctly remember,

is that all?

- Well you didn't look at the bomb,

- Well you didn't look at the bomb,

I'm looking in the other direction.

I'm looking in the other direction.

The other mountains were really like

The other mountains were really like

the sun had just risen temporarily.

the sun had just risen temporarily.

- And when I started to see the point rising and spreading,

- And when I started to see the point rising and spreading,

- And when I started to see the point rising and spreading,

I did not take off the glasses,

by that time I knew it was big.

by that time I knew it was big.

I twisted the glasses and look down at the sand behind me.

I twisted the glasses and look down at the sand behind me.

Well you know, the whole thing was at dawn.

Well you know, the whole thing was at dawn.

Six a.m., barely light.

As I look down at the sand, it was like you were

As I look down at the sand, it was like you were

lifting the curtain in a darkened room.

lifting the curtain in a darkened room.

- Before I got my hand up to start adjusting the goggles,

- Before I got my hand up to start adjusting the goggles,

- Before I got my hand up to start adjusting the goggles,

- Before I got my hand up to start adjusting the goggles,

I felt something that I didn't know,

I hadn't been smart enough to interpret

I hadn't been smart enough to interpret

I hadn't been smart enough to interpret

to figure out what's going to happen,

to figure out what's going to happen,

and nobody had thought of it, I think.

and nobody had thought of it, I think.

It was a cool desert morning.

It was a cool desert morning.

The sun had not quite come up.

The sun had not quite come up.

The air was still.

It had that curious chill of a hot place

It had that curious chill of a hot place

It had that curious chill of a hot place

which is its coolest hour of the day,

and suddenly on that cool background

the heat of the sun came to me before the sun rose.

the heat of the sun came to me before the sun rose.

It was the heat of the bomb, not the light,

It was the heat of the bomb, not the light,

It was the heat of the bomb, not the light,

but the heat was the first thing that I could feel.

but the heat was the first thing that I could feel.

- [Narrator] Physicist Frank Oppenheimer

- [Narrator] Physicist Frank Oppenheimer

standing next to his brother, Robert, wrote--

standing next to his brother, Robert, wrote--

standing next to his brother, Robert, wrote--

- [Man] "And there was this sense of this ominous cloud

- [Man] "And there was this sense of this ominous cloud

"hanging over us.

"hanging over us.

"It was so brilliant purple

"with all the radioactive glowing, and it just seemed

"with all the radioactive glowing, and it just seemed

"with all the radioactive glowing, and it just seemed

"to hang there forever.

"to hang there forever.

"Of course it didn't.

"It must have been a very short time until it went up.

"It must have been a very short time until it went up.

"It must have been a very short time until it went up.

"It was very terrifying.

"And the thunder from the blast, it bounced on the rocks

"And the thunder from the blast, it bounced on the rocks

"And the thunder from the blast, it bounced on the rocks

"and then it went, I don't know where else it bounced,

"and then it went, I don't know where else it bounced,

"and then it went, I don't know where else it bounced,

"but it never seemed to stop,

"but it never seemed to stop,

"not like an ordinary echo with thunder.

"not like an ordinary echo with thunder.

"not like an ordinary echo with thunder.

"It just kept echoing back and forth.

"It just kept echoing back and forth.

"it was a very scary time when it went off.

"it was a very scary time when it went off.

"it was a very scary time when it went off.

"And I wish I would remember what my brother said

"And I wish I would remember what my brother said

"but I can't, but I think we just said it worked.

"but I can't, but I think we just said it worked.

"but I can't, but I think we just said it worked.

"I think that's what we both said, both of us.

"I think that's what we both said, both of us.

"I think that's what we both said, both of us.

"It worked."

- [Narrator] At four a.m up on Sandia Crest

- [Narrator] At four a.m up on Sandia Crest

overlooking Albuquerque, groups of people

overlooking Albuquerque, groups of people

who had driven there up the winding dirt road

who had driven there up the winding dirt road

who had driven there up the winding dirt road

thought the test a failure when nothing happened.

thought the test a failure when nothing happened.

thought the test a failure when nothing happened.

Those who stayed were amazed by what they saw.

Those who stayed were amazed by what they saw.

- We knew the world would not be the same.

A few people laughed.

Few people cried.

Most people were silent.

Most people were silent.

I remembered the line from the Hindu scripture,

I remembered the line from the Hindu scripture,

the Bhagavad Gita.

Vishnu is trying to persuade the prince

Vishnu is trying to persuade the prince

Vishnu is trying to persuade the prince

that he should do his duty,

that he should do his duty,

and to impress him, takes on his multi-armed form

and to impress him, takes on his multi-armed form

and to impress him, takes on his multi-armed form

and says now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.

and says now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.

I suppose we all thought that, one way or another.

I suppose we all thought that, one way or another.

I suppose we all thought that, one way or another.

- [Narrator] The explosion caused excitement

around the state.

around the state.

around the state.

Wire services were swamped with inquiries,

Wire services were swamped with inquiries,

and the army was prepared.

and the army was prepared.

Three weeks before the test, a release had been prepared

Three weeks before the test, a release had been prepared

and sent to the headquarters

and sent to the headquarters

of the Alamogordo bombing range.

of the Alamogordo bombing range.

of the Alamogordo bombing range.

It stated that an ammunition dump in a remote part

It stated that an ammunition dump in a remote part

of the range filled with high explosives,

of the range filled with high explosives,

gas shells, and pyrotechnics, had exploded.

gas shells, and pyrotechnics, had exploded.

gas shells, and pyrotechnics, had exploded.

Weather conditions affecting the content of gas shells

Weather conditions affecting the content of gas shells

Weather conditions affecting the content of gas shells

exploded by the blast may make it desirable

exploded by the blast may make it desirable

exploded by the blast may make it desirable

for the army to temporarily evacuate some civilians

for the army to temporarily evacuate some civilians

from their homes.

Not long after sunrise, what was left of the cloud

Not long after sunrise, what was left of the cloud

had started to dissipate.

had started to dissipate.

There was concern that the irradiated dust and debris

There was concern that the irradiated dust and debris

from the blast, fallout, would fall

from the blast, fallout, would fall

onto neighboring communities.

onto neighboring communities.

onto neighboring communities.

At a few locations, detectors showed rises in radioactivity,

At a few locations, detectors showed rises in radioactivity,

At a few locations, detectors showed rises in radioactivity,

but they dropped quickly.

Oppenheimer returned to base camp from 10,000 south.

Oppenheimer returned to base camp from 10,000 south.

Oppenheimer returned to base camp from 10,000 south.

- [Man] "When he came back, there he was, you know,

- [Man] "When he came back, there he was, you know,

"with his hat.

"with his hat.

"You've seen pictures of Robert's hat.

"And he came to where we were in headquarters

"And he came to where we were in headquarters

"so to speak, and his walk was like high noon.

"so to speak, and his walk was like high noon.

"so to speak, and his walk was like high noon.

"so to speak, and his walk was like high noon.

"I think that's the best I could describe it.

"I think that's the best I could describe it.

"This kind of strut.

"He'd done it."

"He'd done it."

I.I. Rabi.

- Oppenheimer looked very relieved, as might be expected.

- Oppenheimer looked very relieved, as might be expected.

- Oppenheimer looked very relieved, as might be expected.

After all, it had worked and the tension was over.

After all, it had worked and the tension was over.

- [Narrator] Later in the morning, Fermi and physicist

- [Narrator] Later in the morning, Fermi and physicist

Herbert Anderson donned white surgical scrubs

Herbert Anderson donned white surgical scrubs

and rode in two lead lined tanks to ground zero.

and rode in two lead lined tanks to ground zero.

and rode in two lead lined tanks to ground zero.

Fermi's tank broke down after only a mile,

Fermi's tank broke down after only a mile,

Fermi's tank broke down after only a mile,

and he had to walk back.

Anderson went on and surveyed the bomb's crater

Anderson went on and surveyed the bomb's crater

through a periscope.

through a periscope.

through a periscope.

The 100 foot tower had been vaporized.

The 100 foot tower had been vaporized.

All that remained were the twisted stumps of the footings

All that remained were the twisted stumps of the footings

that were anchored 20 feet into the ground.

that were anchored 20 feet into the ground.

that were anchored 20 feet into the ground.

Covering the ground was a green glass-like substance

Covering the ground was a green glass-like substance

Covering the ground was a green glass-like substance

made up of sand fused by the bomb's energy.

made up of sand fused by the bomb's energy.

made up of sand fused by the bomb's energy.

It would later be called Trinitite.

Oppenheimer estimated the blast at 21 kilotons,

Oppenheimer estimated the blast at 21 kilotons,

Oppenheimer estimated the blast at 21 kilotons,

21,000 tons of TNT.

21,000 tons of TNT.

I.I. Rabi's bet in the pool was 18,000 tons,

I.I. Rabi's bet in the pool was 18,000 tons,

mainly because all the low numbers were taken.

mainly because all the low numbers were taken.

mainly because all the low numbers were taken.

He won.

The bomb's yield exceeded the most optimistic predictions.

The bomb's yield exceeded the most optimistic predictions.

The bomb's yield exceeded the most optimistic predictions.

There was still a great deal of work to be done.

There was still a great deal of work to be done.

There was still a great deal of work to be done.

This was only a rehearsal.

- We went up back to Los Alamos,

- We went up back to Los Alamos,

- We went up back to Los Alamos,

and the most interesting thing about that

and the most interesting thing about that

was the collapse of security

was the collapse of security

in the dining halls that evening.

in the dining halls that evening.

Because everyone was exchanging experiences

Because everyone was exchanging experiences

about the explosion, where they saw it from,

about the explosion, where they saw it from,

about the explosion, where they saw it from,

what it was, and so on.

A general, not just a few people, but a roar

A general, not just a few people, but a roar

of such discussion.

of such discussion.

of such discussion.

- [Narrator] In Potsdam Yugoslavia,

President Truman and British Prime Minister Churchill

President Truman and British Prime Minister Churchill

President Truman and British Prime Minister Churchill

were meeting with Josef Stalin to decide

were meeting with Josef Stalin to decide

how to end the war in the Pacific.

how to end the war in the Pacific.

It was not their preference to include Russia

It was not their preference to include Russia

unless absolutely necessary.

unless absolutely necessary.

- We were very interested to hear

- We were very interested to hear

whether Truman had told Stalin

whether Truman had told Stalin

about our test,

as we were told yes Truman had mentioned it

as we were told yes Truman had mentioned it

and Stalin had reacted

and Stalin had reacted

in a non-committal way.

- [Interviewer] Because he already knew?

- He already knew.

- He already knew.

- [Narrator] After the successful test at Trinity,

Leo Szilard who began what became the Manhattan Project

Leo Szilard who began what became the Manhattan Project

Leo Szilard who began what became the Manhattan Project

Leo Szilard who began what became the Manhattan Project

was concerned that the weapon, which was made

was concerned that the weapon, which was made

to stop Hitler, should not be used.

to stop Hitler, should not be used.

He and other scientists felt it should be demonstrated

He and other scientists felt it should be demonstrated

He and other scientists felt it should be demonstrated

to Japan to encourage them to surrender.

to Japan to encourage them to surrender.

He started a petition among the scientists

He started a petition among the scientists

He started a petition among the scientists

to appeal to the president to consider alternative plans.

to appeal to the president to consider alternative plans.

- Even before the test,

sometime I believe end of June, I got a letter

sometime I believe end of June, I got a letter

sometime I believe end of June, I got a letter

from my very good friend Leo Szilard

from my very good friend Leo Szilard

whom I had driven to see Einstein at the time

whom I had driven to see Einstein at the time

when he signed the letter that got things going.

when he signed the letter that got things going.

And he had circulated a petition

And he had circulated a petition

that the bomb should not be dropped

before the Japanese were first notified.

before the Japanese were first notified.

Would I please sign it,

and circulate it in Los Alamos?

Szilard was in Chicago.

I wanted to sign it, but I felt I could not

I wanted to sign it, but I felt I could not

circulate it without showing it to Oppenheimer.

circulate it without showing it to Oppenheimer.

That I did.

That I did.

And Oppenheimer got very excited

And Oppenheimer got very excited

that it's completely on

real scientists have one job,

real scientists have one job,

to solve the technical problems.

We don't know anything about the Japanese,

We don't know anything about the Japanese,

We don't know anything about the Japanese,

we don't know anything about politics.

we don't know anything about politics.

we don't know anything about politics.

We should shut up about all those things.

Now I had strong feelings about it,

and I wanted to sign it, and I wanted to circulate it,

and I wanted to sign it, and I wanted to circulate it,

and I wanted to sign it, and I wanted to circulate it,

but on the other hand, what Oppenheimer said made sense,

but on the other hand, what Oppenheimer said made sense,

and he also had tremendous prestige with everybody

and he also had tremendous prestige with everybody

including me.

I did not sign the letter.

- Oppenheimer, Lawrence, Compton,

- Oppenheimer, Lawrence, Compton,

maybe Fermi,

came together in a meeting

and decided they did not know

and decided they did not know

any other way to use the weapon effectively

any other way to use the weapon effectively

any other way to use the weapon effectively

than to actually drop it,

than to actually drop it,

and I retrospectively, I agreed at the time,

and I retrospectively, I agreed at the time,

that it should be dropped, and I agree even more today.

that it should be dropped, and I agree even more today.

that it should be dropped, and I agree even more today.

- We knew definitively one week later

- We knew definitively one week later

- We knew definitively one week later

when Penney gave his famous lecture

when Penney gave his famous lecture

on the effects of the bomb at the colloquium

on the effects of the bomb at the colloquium

on the Thursday after the Monday.

on the Thursday after the Monday.

on the Thursday after the Monday.

Again with the same which is this clearly going to

Again with the same which is this clearly going to

end the city and probably with it the war.

end the city and probably with it the war.

- [Narrator] But by then the die was cast.

- [Narrator] But by then the die was cast.

The bomb was under control of the military,

The bomb was under control of the military,

and the targets had been selected.

and the targets had been selected.

and the targets had been selected.

- We are now prepared to destroy more rapidly

- We are now prepared to destroy more rapidly

and completely every productive enterprise

and completely every productive enterprise

and completely every productive enterprise

the Japanese have in any city.

We shall destroy their docks, their factories,

We shall destroy their docks, their factories,

We shall destroy their docks, their factories,

and their communications.

and their communications.

and their communications.

Let there be no mistake.

We shall completely destroy Japan's power to make war.

We shall completely destroy Japan's power to make war.

We shall completely destroy Japan's power to make war.

It was to spare the Japanese people from utter destruction

It was to spare the Japanese people from utter destruction

It was to spare the Japanese people from utter destruction

that the ultimatum of July the 26th was issued at Potsdam.

that the ultimatum of July the 26th was issued at Potsdam.

Their leaders promptly rejected that ultimatum.

Their leaders promptly rejected that ultimatum.

If they do not now accept our terms,

they may expect a rain of ruin from the air,

they may expect a rain of ruin from the air,

they may expect a rain of ruin from the air,

the like of which has never been seen on this earth.

the like of which has never been seen on this earth.

the like of which has never been seen on this earth.

- [Narrator] A few hours before dawn on July 16th,

while the scientists at Trinity Site waited

while the scientists at Trinity Site waited

while the scientists at Trinity Site waited

for the test in the New Mexico desert,

for the test in the New Mexico desert,

the primary components of the gun type uranium weapon

the primary components of the gun type uranium weapon

were being hoisted aboard the cruiser Indianapolis.

were being hoisted aboard the cruiser Indianapolis.

were being hoisted aboard the cruiser Indianapolis.

The ship set sail for the Pacific Island of Tinian

The ship set sail for the Pacific Island of Tinian

in the Marianas.

in the Marianas.

A few weeks later on August 6th, 1945,

A few weeks later on August 6th, 1945,

a B-29 named Enola Gay took off

in the early morning hours.

in the early morning hours.

in the early morning hours.

Just after eight a.m., it dropped the weapon

Just after eight a.m., it dropped the weapon

named Little Boy, which exploded approximately 1000 feet

named Little Boy, which exploded approximately 1000 feet

named Little Boy, which exploded approximately 1000 feet

over the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

(intense dramatic music)

(dark ominous music)

(dark ominous music)

Three days later, another mission carrying

Three days later, another mission carrying

the plutonium implosion weapon named Fat Man

the plutonium implosion weapon named Fat Man

the plutonium implosion weapon named Fat Man

detonated over Nagasaki.

(solemn music)

A few weeks later, the war ended with the Japanese surrender

A few weeks later, the war ended with the Japanese surrender

on the Battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

on the Battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

on the Battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

World War Two was over.

World War Two was over.

- Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world,

- Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world,

and that God will preserve it always.

and that God will preserve it always.

and that God will preserve it always.

These proceedings are closed.

These proceedings are closed.

(slow somber music)