The Manhattan Project, the country’s project to develop the atomic bomb in the mid-20th century, was the topic of discussion in the 10th anniversary of the university’s lecture series.
Dr. Martin J. Sherwin, first lecturer in the A.R. Sanchez Distinguished Lecture Series, talked about his recent book at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall of Sept. 20.
His book, The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, related the story of the physicist who led the Manhattan Project and the development of the atomic bomb during WWII.
The lecture discussed Oppenheimer’s educational, political, and professional backgrounds leading up to and resulting from the invention of the atomic bomb.
Sherwin detailed Oppenheimer’s enthusiasm for the project.
“At age 41, the father of the atomic bomb had devoted himself totally to his work,” he said. “In August 1945, Oppenheimer’s charismatic managerial effectiveness and leadership led to having the bomb ready in such a short time.”
However, following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Sherwin noted Oppenheimer regretted his zeal.
According to Sherwin, Oppenheimer even told President Truman “he had blood on his hands,” a statement amongst many that caused trouble for Oppenheimer as did his later appeals to abort nuclear weapons.
“Oppenheimer seemed to feel the destruction of the human race was inevitable,” said Sherwin.
See Lecture, page 3