Born in New York City in 1904 to wealthy textile importer Julius Oppenheimer. Attended Ethical Culture School, which promoted rationalism and secular humanism. Contracted dysentery in Germany, moved to New Mexico for outdoor experiences
American scientists organized project in 1939 to exploit fission process for military purposes. Project received $6,000 funding in 1940 under L.J. Briggs' leadership. Project expanded to include British and Canadian scientists by 1943
Technology played greater role in WWII than any other war. Military operations targeted enemy research efforts and technology. Germany and Soviet Union collaborated extensively on military R&D. France and Russia had better tanks than Germany at war's start
Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 and China in 1937. Japan signed Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy in 1940. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. US declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941
Born in New York City in 1904 to wealthy Jewish family. Graduated from Harvard in 1925 with summa cum laude in chemistry. Earned PhD in physics from Göttingen University in 1927 under Max Born
Pacific War ended with Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945. Manhattan Project produced Little Boy and Fat Man atomic bombs. 509th Composite Group trained on B-29s for atomic bombing missions