Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

One of the recurring questions in Bomb concerns the morality of the development and use of nuclear weapons. On the one hand, atomic bombs had (and still have) the ability to cause human suffering on an unprecedented scale. On the other hand, scientists developed these weapons at a time when it looked as though Nazi Germany might obtain them, which could have had catastrophic consequences.

What other arguments for and against the bomb existed? How did these arguments translate into the decision to use the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? In the aftermath of the war, what was Oppenheimer’s main concern about a race to build more nuclear weapons? Why did President Truman disagree? Who do you think was correct, and what might you ask world leaders to do about reducing the chances of nuclear war today?

Teaching Suggestion: Discussions about nuclear weapons and nuclear war may arouse fears and anxieties about the future. It might be helpful first to discuss how students feel after reading about atomic bombs and their effects, and then to ask how people might work together to reduce the dangers of war in general.