Einstein–Szilárd letter
Background
The Einstein–Szilárd letter was a letter written by Leó Szilárd and signed by Albert Einstein that was sent to the United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 2, 1939. The letter warned that Germany might develop atomic bombs and suggested that the United States should start its own nuclear program. It led to the establishment of the Manhattan Project.
Origin
The idea of writing a letter to the President originated from a conversation between Leó Szilárd, who was a Hungarian physicist, and fellow Hungarian refugee physicists Edward Teller and Eugene Wigner. The three scientists were greatly concerned about the rapid progress in Nazi Germany towards developing nuclear weapons.
Drafting of the Letter
Szilárd drafted the letter with input from Teller and Wigner. Szilárd then approached Einstein to sign the letter, as he believed that Einstein's prominence would ensure the letter's delivery to the President. Einstein, who was also a refugee from Nazi Germany, agreed to lend his support to the cause.
Content of the Letter
The letter warned of the potential development of "extremely powerful bombs of a new type" by a hostile power, specifically Nazi Germany. It suggested that in the light of this possibility, the United States should take steps to acquire stockpiles of uranium ore and accelerate the research of Enrico Fermi and others into chain reactions.
Impact of the Letter
The letter was delivered to President Roosevelt by Alexander Sachs, who was a friend of both Roosevelt and Szilárd. After reading the letter, Roosevelt decided to take action and initiated the Advisory Committee on Uranium. This eventually led to the establishment of the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bombs.
Legacy
The Einstein–Szilárd letter is considered a pivotal moment in the history of science and warfare. It marked the beginning of the atomic age and the start of the nuclear arms race.