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The Manhattan project-a part of physics history.

Martensson-Pendrill, Ann-Marie. "The Manhattan project-a part of physics history." Physics Education [0031-9120] 41.6 (2006). 493-.

In her article, Pendrill argues that military endeavors, such as the Manhattan Project in the 1940s, led by physicists and other scientists are important parts of physics history and should be included in physics textbooks in order to give students a fuller understanding of the intersections of science, politics, and everyday life. She discusses how the project and life at Los Alamos affected the scientists both mentally and emotionally during various stages, how the creation of extreme and potentially dangerous technologies relates to ethics and responsibility, and how all these issues are tied up in the real, everyday jobs of many scientists.

Understanding the connections between science, the government, and real people as presented by Pendrill gives insight into Hitchcock's portrayal of the villains in Notorious in several ways. First, knowledge of the Manhattan Project and the postwar creation of the atomic bomb is crucial to understanding the importance of uranium in any film from the 1940s, not just Notorious. Here, historical context is key to the film's meaning and cultural relevance. Secondly, Pendrill's article sheds some light on how the audience is somehow strangely able to sympathize to a certain extent with Alex and some of the villains of Notorious. We recognize that, despite their secrecy and dangerous experimentation, some of these men are scientists doing their jobs, and they do not have much of a choice in the matter. We can especially sympathize with Emile when we see how the smallest slip-up, a slight human error, cost him his life in the high stakes game that results when powerful institutions come together for dangerous work.

belongs to Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious - Film Bibliography project
tagged atomic_bomb manhattan_project physics by coneybee ...on 10-APR-08

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Prompt and utter destruction : Truman and the use of atomic bombs against Japan / J. Samuel Walker.

Walker, J. Samuel. . Prompt and utter destruction : Truman and the use of atomic bombs against Japan / J. Samuel Walker. [0807823619 (cloth : alk. paper) ] Chapel Hill : University of North Carolina Press, c1997.
Call#: Van Pelt Library Rosengarten Reserve D767.25.H6 W355 1997

The question that lies at the foundation of this book is, was it necessary to drop the atomic bomb on Japan? Walker's accounts of the events leading up to the bombings are concise and pay attention to detail. He never once allows his own opinion on the matter be known, rather he uses the book to clarify the details leading up to the fateful decision.

For instance, it is a common misconception that only two options were discussed concerning how to defeat Japan -either invasion or using the atomic bombs- but Walker responds to this idea by arguing that although a means of ending the war quickly was a major factor, Truman and his advisors posed the idea that perhaps the war would eventually end without utilizing either strategy, considering Japan had in fact been thoroughly weakened.

Although the text itself is not very long, Walker is able to present actual facts about the period before the bombings, and the factors that lead to the final decision. Truman of course, is discussed with great detail as well. Again, Walker is adept at giving us more than adequate information about President Truman and his personality without betraying his own personal opinions. We become aware of the pertinent issues faced by this wartime president, while at the same time unswayed by the authors own opinions. It is very true that Truman was seemingly unprepared to face such a monumental decision, yet he was fully capable of it, taking care to consult his advisors well. Walker does his best to clarify exactly what Truman knew, and when, and analyses this information in regards to his decisions. The main factors in Truman's decision come down to the possibility of many more American casualties, soviet relations, and the fear of just how long Japan could in fact hold out. Walker does however agree with some who find the decision to be questionable, that Truman did fully well understand the potential diplomatic advantages of the atomic bomb. Of course, the atomic bomb would not only impress the soviets, but make America an even more powerful figure.

However, Walker does conclude that the threat of thousands of more American casualties, along with the desire to end the war as soon as possible, became the main factors in his decision. Walker's basic answer to the debate of whether the bomb was necessary is yes, and no. Yes, it ended the war as early as possible, however no because even though American soldier's lives were saved, the numbers of casualties were greatly exaggerated. This response definitely (and intentionally) leaves the entire subject open to debate for years to come.

belongs to Gojira/Godzilla (1954) Annotated Bibliography project
tagged anxiety atomic_bomb bomb radiation by mymorg ...on 07-APR-06