Einstein's Letter: The Words That Launched the Atomic Age

On this day in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt engaged in a discussion with his unofficial advisor about a pivotal letter written in August from Albert Einstein. In this letter, Einstein highlighted recent advancements in uranium fission chain reactions, suggesting the potential for generating significant amounts of power and even the feasibility of constructing immensely powerful bombs. This correspondence marked the inception of what would become known as the Manhattan Project.

This letter has become one of the most influential in history. Einstein’s warning about the potential military applications of nuclear fission not only captured Roosevelt's attention but also set in motion a chain of events that would lead to the development of the atomic bomb. The scientific and military implications of Einstein's message profoundly shaped the course of World War II and the post-war geopolitical landscape, making it a cornerstone in the history of science and international relations.