Who Was Robert Oppenheimer? A Nuclear Policy Expert Explains
Alex
Who Was Robert Oppenheimer? A Nuclear Policy Expert Explains
Robert Oppenheimer was a brilliant theoretical physicist who played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. He is often called the "father of the atomic bomb," but his legacy is complex and controversial. In this article, a nuclear policy expert will explain Oppenheimer's life and work, and discuss his impact on American nuclear policy. We will also explore some of the key questions that surround his legacy, such as his role in the development of the hydrogen bomb and his decision to testify against Edward Teller during the Atomic Energy Commission's security hearing. Oppenheimer was born in New York City in 1904. He studied physics at Harvard University and the University of Cambridge, and then went on to do research at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1942, he was recruited to lead the Manhattan Project, the secret U.S. government program to develop the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer was a brilliant scientist and administrator, and he…