Historical Events tagged with "manhattan project"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Klaus Fuchs Released and Emigrates to East Germany

June 23rd, 1959 65 years ago

Klaus Fuchs, a scientist convicted of espionage, was released from prison after serving nine years. Following his release, he emigrated to East Germany, specifically Dresden, where he resumed his career in science. Fuchs had been a key figure in the Manhattan Project and was arrested in 1950 for passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.

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Crime & Law

Harry Gold Sentenced for Espionage Activities

December 9th, 1950 74 years ago

Harry Gold was sentenced to 30 years in prison for aiding Klaus Fuchs in conveying crucial information about the Manhattan Project to the Soviet Union. Gold's cooperation with U.S. authorities proved vital in the subsequent prosecution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were accused of espionage. Gold's revelations provided evidence for the government's case against the Rosenbergs, ultimately leading to their execution for treason, marking a significant moment in the Red Scare era.

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Crime & Law

Klaus Fuchs Convicted of Espionage for USSR

March 1st, 1950 75 years ago

Klaus Fuchs, a German physicist, was convicted of espionage for the Soviet Union after he admitted to leaking atomic bomb secrets from the Manhattan Project. Fuchs, who had worked on nuclear research at Los Alamos during World War II, provided critical information that significantly advanced Soviet nuclear capabilities. His trial centered on charges of sharing classified data, raising concerns about national security and the extent of Soviet infiltration. The verdict led to a reassessment of security protocols regarding sensitive nuclear information in the United States and its allies.

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Science & Technology

Louis Slotin Fatally Irradiated at Los Alamos

May 21st, 1946 78 years ago

During an experiment with the demon core at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, physicist Louis Slotin was fatally irradiated due to a criticality incident. Using a meticulous manual method to approach critical mass, Slotin inadvertently caused a prompt critical reaction. This resulted in an intense burst of radiation exposure, which later proved to be fatal.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fatally Irradiated Incident Involving Harry Daghlian

August 21st, 1945 79 years ago

Harry Daghlian, a physicist, was fatally irradiated while conducting an experiment with the Demon core at Los Alamos National Laboratory. While working to determine the neutron reflection characteristics of the core, Daghlian accidentally dropped a brick that completed a neutron-reflecting configuration. This incident led to a criticality accident, causing a lethal dose of radiation before he could be treated for exposure.

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Military & Warfare

USS Indianapolis Delivers Uranium for Bomb

July 26th, 1945 79 years ago

The USS Indianapolis delivered crucial components and enriched uranium to Tinian for the Little Boy atomic bomb. This significant transport was part of the unprecedented Manhattan Project, which aimed to develop nuclear weapons during World War II. The Indianapolis, having navigated through hostile Pacific waters, arrived at Tinian just days before its eventual use in Hiroshima. The crew was unaware of the monumental task at hand that would alter the course of warfare and world history.

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Science & Technology

The Birth of the Atomic Age

July 16th, 1945 79 years ago

On this transformative day, the United States successfully detonated the first atomic bomb, codenamed 'Trinity', as part of the Manhattan Project. This unprecedented event occurred in the New Mexico desert near Alamogordo. Scientists, led by J. Robert Oppenheimer and other prominent physicists, gathered to witness this historic moment. The successful detonation marked a significant milestone in military and scientific history, showcasing humanity’s capabilities for both great innovation and destruction. The test demonstrated the viability of nuclear weapons which soon influenced global power dynamics.

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Science & Technology

First Nuclear Chain Reaction Achieved

December 2nd, 1942 82 years ago

A team led by Enrico Fermi successfully initiated the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction at the University of Chicago's Stagg Field. This groundbreaking experiment was part of the Manhattan Project, aimed at developing atomic energy and weaponry during World War II. The achievement marked a pivotal moment in nuclear physics, demonstrating that controlled nuclear fission was feasible.

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