British Scientists Fueled America’s Manhattan Project Success

The role of British scientists in the success of America’s Manhattan Project has often been overlooked. In his new book, The Impossible Bomb: The Hidden History of British Scientists and the Race to Create an Atomic Weapon, author Gareth Williams reveals that without their early contributions, the project could have faced catastrophic failure. This collaboration was crucial as the world faced the imminent threat of nuclear weapons during World War II.

Uncovering Historical Contributions

The film Oppenheimer, which highlighted the achievements of Robert Oppenheimer and the American team behind the atomic bomb, may have overshadowed the significant input from British physicists. Williams argues that without their involvement, the United States and Europe could have been vulnerable to German advancements in weaponry.

According to Williams, the story begins in 1940 with the formation of the MAUD committee, which sought to explore the feasibility of developing an atomic bomb in Britain. This initiative was sparked by a memo from two German-Jewish physicists, Otto Frisch and Rudolf Peierls, who, having fled Nazi Germany, worked at the University of Birmingham. They proposed that using an isotope called Uranium-235 could lead to a powerful bomb, highlighting a critical path for the project.

Despite their groundbreaking ideas, Frisch and Peierls, labeled as “enemy aliens,” could not directly participate in the MAUD committee, which was comprised of British scientists, including several Nobel Laureates. Nevertheless, the committee quickly validated their findings, leading to the establishment of what was known as the Tube Alloys Directorate.

Transatlantic Collaboration

Initially, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill advocated for a solitary British effort in the nuclear race. At that time, American officials were hesitant to fully commit to nuclear development, believing their conventional weaponry would suffice. This complacency persisted even after a critical warning from physicist Albert Einstein to President Roosevelt in 1939, urging immediate action on atomic research to outpace the Germans.

As both countries assessed their capabilities, it became evident that while Britain had the theoretical knowledge, they lacked the necessary resources to fabricate a bomb, as both plutonium and uranium were prohibitively expensive. Eventually, the two nations reached an agreement to collaborate, resulting in the transfer of 84 British scientists to the United States to aid in the Manhattan Project.

Williams, a retired university professor and member of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), meticulously details the scientific processes involved in creating the atomic bomb. He breaks down complex terms such as “heavy water,” “cyclotron,” and “gaseous diffusion,” ensuring that even readers with minimal scientific background can grasp the concepts. His writing is engaging, comparable to the thrill of a suspenseful novel, making the history of this internationally collaborative effort accessible and compelling.

The implications of this collaboration were profound. Williams emphasizes that had the British scientists not contributed their critical expertise, the outcomes of World War II might have been drastically different. It raises the chilling possibility that cities like London or Washington could have faced the devastating consequences of nuclear attacks instead of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In conclusion, Gareth Williams presents a vital reassessment of the Manhattan Project, shedding light on the critical role played by British scientists. His work not only enriches our understanding of this pivotal moment in history but also highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. The Impossible Bomb is now available from Yale University Press.