J. Robert Oppenheimer, born on Apr. 22, 1904, in New York City, was a brilliant American theoretical physicist. He is known as the “father of the atomic bomb” due to his pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, which ultimately led to the development of the first atomic bombs.
Oppenheimer’s journey into the world of physics began early in life. His family, deeply rooted in New York’s cultural and intellectual circles, provided an environment ripe for intellectual curiosity. His father, Julius Oppenheimer, was a German immigrant who had built a prosperous textile importing business, while his mother, Ella Friedman, came from a long line of New Yorkers.
After graduating from Harvard College, Oppenheimer attended other prestigious institutions like the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge in England and the University of Göttingen in Germany. It was during these formative years that Oppenheimer contributed significantly to the field.
World War II had been the turning point thrusting Oppenheimer into the limelight. In 1942, the U.S. Army recruited him to lead the Manhattan Project, a top-secret effort to develop an atomic bomb. The successful development of the atomic bomb changed the course of history, leading to the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
After the war, Oppenheimer continued his involvement in nuclear matters. He served as Chairman of the General Advisory Committee of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). He became a strong advocate for arms control and opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb, which put him at odds with some in the government.
Hannah Kim For The Teen Times
1. Who is J. Robert Oppenheimer, according to paragraph 1?
2. How is J. Robert Oppenheimer's background (family, education)?
3. What did J. Robert Oppenheimer do during WWII? What did it lead to?
4. What did J. Robert Oppenheimer do after WWII?
1. What is your opinion of Oppenheimer?
2. How have bombs been used throughout history?
3. What has been the impact of WWII? Mention some notable outcomes/consequences.
4. What is are some threats to world peace today?
J. Robert Oppenheimer, born on Apr. 22, 1904, in New York City, was a brilliant American theoretical physicist. He is known as the “father of the atomic bomb” due to his pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, which ultimately led to the development of the first atomic bombs.
