Between Pacifism and Nuclear Energy (1930-1955)
Diego Hurtado de Mendoza

TL;DR
This paper explores Einstein's evolving stance on pacifism and nuclear energy from 1930 to 1955, highlighting his activism, role in the Manhattan Project, and opposition to the nuclear arms race during early Cold War.
Contribution
It provides a detailed historical analysis of Einstein's shifting views and involvement in nuclear policy and disarmament efforts during a pivotal period.
Findings
Einstein's pacifist ideals shifted with the rise of Hitler.
He supported the development of atomic weapons during WWII.
He opposed the nuclear arms race at the start of the Cold War.
Abstract
The atomic bomb American program known as Manhattan Project has been studied in detail. Historians argue that the beginning of this program is rooted in the letter Einstein sent to American President Roosevelt in the summer of 1939. This article examines Einstein's activities before 1933 as radical pacifist in favor of the principles of universal disarmament and outspoken supporter of individual war resistance and the shift of this posture when Hitler came to power in 1933. In this context, we discuss the role played by nuclear physicists during the Second World War and Einstein's decision to promote the construction of an atomic weapon in the United States. Finally, the article analyzes Einstein's struggle against the atomic race during the beginning of the cold war.
Peer Reviews
No public reviews on file for this paper yet. If you reviewed it on a platform where reviews are public (OpenReview, ICLR, NeurIPS, ICML), you can paste yours below so the community can read it here.
Videos
No videos yet. Explain this paper in a talk, walkthrough, or lecture? Add one.
Taxonomy
TopicsTwentieth Century Scientific Developments · History and Developments in Astronomy · History of Science and Natural History
