The Manhattan Project: Rise Of The Arms Race

Silvi Grodstein Marie Olland Laura Kirchner Junior Division Group Website

We selected our topic after weeks of lengthy thought and consideration. We chose the Manhattan Project because we had briefly covered over the topic in our World Geography class and we yearned to go into greater detail on the subject. Another reason why we decided to study the Manhattan Project was because of the time period in which it took place. The event was late enough in history that we would be able to access a large array of primary sources. However the Manhattan Project was early enough in history that it is not currently in action, although the effects of it still linger. A large amount of research was conducted to make our project possible. We studied local libraries, found numerous primary and secondary sources, read very helpful books, and visited websites, which we used throughout the project. Due to the secrecy of the Manhattan Project, primary sources were not easily accessed. We discovered that later on, when the bomb had already detonated and the public was aware of the situation that many primary sources could be found on websites that contained newspaper articles, speeches, telegrams, and photographs. We also found an abundant amount of political cartoons for the arms race, in addition to telegrams, and letters. We found some videos that were relevant to out topic, but we were unable to upload them onto our website because of the software on our computers. We originally intended to create a documentary for our National History Day project. However, we came to the realization that we did not have access to the equipment that was necessary record it. We briefly considered building an exhibit, but decided that this was not the best option, in order to display our research using multimedia. We came to the conclusion that

we would make a website, due to its convenience and accessibility. The website provided opportunities to work, even when our other group mates were not present. Creating a website as a project allowed our group to use slideshows, pictures, and other graphics that we would not otherwise have access to. Our topic for National History Day the Manhattan Project relates to the theme A Turning Point In History in numerous ways. The development of the nuclear bomb not only improved the technology behind modern warfare, but also made the Arms Race inevitable. After the nuclear bomb was made, many countries also strived to build the weapon. The various nations believed that there was a threat upon their country without access to nuclear weaponry. The result was nations threatening one another with enough weapons to destroy the planet. Without the Manhattan Project, the United States might not have been the first to access atomic weapons, and the Arms Race never would have occurred.