Between Pacifism and Nuclear Energy (1930-1955)

Abstract

The atomic bomb American program known as Manhattan Project has been studied in detail. Historians argue that the beginning of this program is rooted in the letter Einstein sent to American President Roosevelt in the summer of 1939. This article examines Einstein's activities before 1933 as radical pacifist in favor of the principles of universal disarmament and outspoken supporter of individual war resistance and the shift of this posture when Hitler came to power in 1933. In this context, we discuss the role played by nuclear physicists during the Second World War and Einstein's decision to promote the construction of an atomic weapon in the United States. Finally, the article analyzes Einstein's struggle against the atomic race during the beginning of the cold war.