The Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer & the Birth of the Modern Arms Race

Johns Hopkins Nuclear History and Contemporary Affairs

by Priscilla Johnson McMillan

On April 12, 1954, the nation was astonished to learn that scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer faced charges of violating national security. Why had the charismatic leader of the Manhattan Project— the man who led the team that developed the atomic bomb that ended World War II—been cast into overnight disgrace? In this riveting narrative, bestselling author Priscilla J. McMillan draws on newly declassified U.S. government documents and materials from Russia, as well as in-depth interviews, to present the truth about the downfall of America’s most famous scientist.

McMillan re-creates the fraught years from 1949 to 1955 when Oppenheimer and a group of liberal scientists tried to head off the cabal of hard-line air force officials, anti-Communist politicians, and rival scientists—including Edward Teller—who were trying to seize control of U.S. policy and build ever more deadly nuclear weapons. The conspiracy to discredit Oppenheimer, occurring at the height of the McCarthy era and sanctioned by a misinformed President Eisenhower, was a watershed in the cold war, poisoning American politics for decades and creating dangers that haunt us today.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Science, Politics, American History, American

384 pages, Hardcover

First published July 21, 2005

About the author

Priscilla Johnson McMillan (born Priscilla Mary Post Johnson) was an American journalist, translator, author, and historian. She was a Center Associate at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University.

Reviews

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer And the Birth of the Modern Arms Race was a rich and deeply researched perspecitve on the systematic bringing down of scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer by author Priscilla J. McMillan. This book focuses on those fraught years between 1949 and 1954 and chronicling the firestorm surrounding not only Oppenheimer, but the entire atomic scientific program. America was stunned to learn on April 12, 1954 that scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer faced charges of violating national security ultimately being stripped of his Q clearance. At the heart of this systematic dismantling of the scientist who had sherpherded the Manhattan Project in a remote high-desert plateau in Northern New Mexico, was fellow scientist Edward Teller. Teller differed from most of the other scientists in Los Alamos in wanting to pursue the hydrogen bomb as opposed to the atomic bomb. He and Oppenheimer were at odds over that with Teller nursing his out-of-control fears that Oppenheimer was secretly sabatoging his work. Ultimately Teller left Los Alamos to work on his program in Livermore, California. Teller used this opportunity to support his own dubious rise to power and to use this laboratory as an opportunity to redirect national resources to the development of the controversial hydrogen bomb. But Teller realized that Robert Oppenheimer, leading a group of like-minded liberal scientists advocating arms control, was in a position to thwart his dream.

"The country now had two enormously costly laboratories competing with each other to produce ever more streamlined designs. Together, Livermore and Los Alamos created the vast arsenal of superfluous nuclear weaponry that curses us today."

" It was a sign of increasingly security-conscious times that the panel had to begin its work late because a question had arisen about clearing one of the distinguished members. As for Robert Oppenheimer, who had chaired innumerable government groups, and was the natural leader of this one, he was sailing close to the wind--closer, perhaps, than even he knew."

Most of the public was shocked by the verdict of the Atomic Energy Commission to strip Oppenheimer of his security credentials. And the scientists, nearly all of whom agreed with Oppenheimer about the hydrogen bomb, began to wonder when they may suffer the same fate. Once the scientists were able to wade through the 992-page transcript, there were 493 scientists from Los Alamos signed a statement of protest from Los Alamos, and 214 from the Argonne National Lab in Illinois.

In conclusion, the author talks about the heroes among the scientists who created the bomb, men who understood what they had done and tried desperately, each in his own way, to control the outcome. But I will leave you with the words of author Priscilla J. McMillan:

"Of them all, Robert Oppenheimer was the American who could see the furthest, was the most articulate, had the tragic sense. If anyone could have moderated a man's rush to extermination, or at least articulated the danger with such eloquence that we would all have forced to consider, it was Robert Oppenheimer."

[Matt Hooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less than a decade after his team at the Los Alamos National Laboratory developed and detonated the first atomic bomb -- Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer endured a farcical, humiliating government inquiry into his political leanings and the depth of his patriotism. In the end, the hero of the Manhattan Project and the father of atomic weaponry was declared a risk to national security and stripped of his top-secret clearances.

This story of one of history's great railroadings -- taking place during the height of McCarthyism and the Red Scare -- is retold in "The Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer" by Priscilla McMillan. Using recently declassified materials related to the Oppenheimer case -- as well as information gleaned from the last few survivors who knew the great physicist personally -- McMillian dives straight-away into Oppenheimer's post World War II professional life.

Oppenheimer continued to lead America's atomic research efforts through the 1940s and into the early 1950s. However, he expressed opposition to the development of the next incarnation of superbombs -- thermonuclear devices (which have many times more destructive capability than the atomic bombs detonated over Japan). Oppenheimer's hesitancy on hydrogen bombs gave his enemies -- of which there were many -- an opening to attack.

Oppenheimer did have many enemies. Some were motivated by simple jealousy -- he was, after all, the most brilliant American physicist, perhaps ever. He enjoyed the spoils of his fame, perhaps too extravagantly at times. He had a reputation for haughtiness and condescension.

Other enemies were motivated by deeper issues surrounding his free-wheeling past. Oppenheimer was a professor at the University of California's Berkeley campus -- an incubator of liberal political thought. Many people close to him -- including his brother -- were members of the Communist party. Robert Oppenheimer wasn't personally a Communist, but he was plagued with guilt-by-association. As a result, many government officials (including FBI director J. Edgar Hoover) were out for his blood, hoping to out him as a commie menace and drive American bomb superiority to the next level.

Oppenheimer's most persistent and vociferous critic/enemy was Edward Teller. Teller was a physicist in his own right -- though not nearly as gifted as many of the colleagues with which he kept company. He was also the chief drum-beater on behalf of the hydrogen bomb, considering it his project. Anyone who came out against it -- or not sufficiently for it -- was a traitor in Teller's eyes. Oppenheimer became his principal antagonist by default, and Teller pulled no punches in the effort to discredit and, ultimately, destroy him.

(It should also be noted that even though Teller took the credit for the eventual development of the hydrogen bomb, most of the critical details related to the bomb's success were devised by his colleagues. Further, it was Teller who would convince Ronald Reagan that his "Star Wars" missile defense shield was plausible and practical.)

Teller and his allies in the U.S. government did, in fact, destroy Oppenheimer. After illegally obtaining surveillance information, violating what Oppenheimer assumed were confidential conversations between himself and his lawyers, and providing prosecution witnesses with information obtained illegally -- Oppenheimer was drummed out of the atomic regulatory agency he helped establish. His name was forever disparaged and unfairly tainted by whispers of treason. Throughout the process, however, and for the remaining decade or so of his life -- Oppenheimer never spoke ill of the government and took great care not to divulge any of its nuclear machinations.

As a straight recap of this unfortunate period of American history, McMillan's book is well done. However, without much (if any) context into Oppenheimer's pre-Manhattan Project life (or Teller's, for that matter), the book seems rather incomplete. This is unfortunate, as McMillan's only other book ("Marina and Lee") was an extraordinary biographical account of Lee Harvey and Marina Oswald. Yours truly was hoping that Oppenheimer would benefit from similar biographical treatment -- but alas, it was not meant to be.

If you are looking for a truly well-done, full-length biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, let me enthusiastically recommend "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer" by Kai Bird.

[JJS. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of the downfall of J. Robert Oppenheimer, and how the Cold War arms race began, decently told. The early part of the book was a bit too nuclear physics literate for me to grasp much of it. It was important for describing the creation of the hydrogen bomb, one of, or even, the greatest escalation of the arms race, when weapons become 1000-fold more destructive than they had been as the final stage of World War II ended. The last 6 chapters or so were the most readable and affecting, with the coordinated effort, notably by Lewis Strauss and Edward Teller, of having Oppenheimer pushed out of any government role, is recounted in very detailed description. For interest in the nuclear arms race, and an early stage of the Cold War, this is certainly a good book.

[Lee Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer

Intro
- It seems now that Oppenheimer was a controversial guy in the eyes of the US but to friends and family he was just a person contributing to his beliefs. Almost all of those beliefs are good ones as well. Maybe the government just wanted to keep a close eye on the man with all the knowledge.

Chapter 1
- So David Lilienthal had ties to Oppenheimer and together (but mostly David) they detected when the Russians dropped their first bomb and warned the US government. The Russians did it a lot faster than anyone predicted making rise to questions of treason and secret sharing.

Chapter 2
- Most of the committee for the “super” were unsure whether they should go ahead and join this arms race against Russia. Oppenheimer seemed most back and forth about it all. After all, this was a world affecting decision to be made by a choice few men who could pull it off.

Chapter 3
- so it is true that many people opposed the making of the h bomb which would be so much more powerful than the a bomb. Thus they wanted to have an agreement amongst all the nations.

Chapter 4
- After a long discussion and tensions with Russia getting higher, they eventually were coaxed into being on the team to create the H bomb. Many were sad to hear this and thought to resign but were asked to stay on by Lilienthal in a polite manner.

Chapter 5
- Circumstances arose that even the people would like the government to try to come to an agreement with Russia over the building of the H bomb. Even Stalin had died so negotiation tactics would more effective. But the Cold War pressed on and Truman ordered it be made as soon as possible.

Chapter 6
- Frick

Chapter 7
- Tensions are quite high and people are making assumptions of others beliefs since a lot of this work is theoretical
- North Korea invades South Korea raising tensions as well

Chapter 8
- The mistrust of Oppenheimer grows because of his beliefs and it seems that people with power too much for their judgement are making these calls only on suspicion. To be fair, people are afraid for their lives right now.

Chapter 9
- Ulam contributed much to the development but not much heed was given by anyone since it was a group effort. It really was true science but some positive feedback instead of ignoring would’ve been beneficial for the group.

Chapter 10
- Teller was a heavily debated person because he was a hot head and didn’t get along with many others but also was very smart and ingenious in producing more ideas for the project. This rose tensions even more. Especially since Oppenheimer is now being convicted of giving the Russians our secrets, especially that the H-Bomb is now possible.

[Bob Lundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

After World War II and the dropping of the atomic bombs, the United States decided whether civilians or the military would control nuclear development. During the war, the army was in formal control of bomb development but scientists, the creatures they are, bridled at the security that was put in place. A bill to continue military control was laid aside and a bill putting civilians in control was passed and formed the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). However, there is no guarantee that the AEC would be any less security conscious than the military would be. This would play out with the development of the hydrogen bomb and Robert Oppenheimer’s career. Specifically, the choices made to refine the fission bombs as a priority over the fusion (hydrogen) bomb. Oppenheimer and many scientists saw no point in building a fusion bomb because fission bombs were adequate to destroy the smaller cities of the main enemy, the Soviet Union. In addition, fission bombs had to be used to spark a fusion bomb, so many felt it more effective of time used to optimize fission bombs, and then, maybe, build fusion bombs. However, there were civilian hawks who wanted to pursue fusion bombs immediately and this included scientists such as Teller who was rabid about building them. Oppenheimer’s career as a government scientist was ruined when the hawks saw his past security lapses as evidence of his dishonesty and even loyalty, though the loyalty aspect was played down. A kangaroo court found against him and revoked his security clearance one day before it would expire.

This book does an excellent explaining all this. In addition, the author makes a convincing case that it sparked the arms race due to inept administrators (hawks) who believed the Soviet Union could not be negotiated with honestly. Oppenheimer and many others wanted international control of atomic power though they recognized dealing with the Soviet Union would be difficult but not necessarily impossible. Another insight is that the Air Force’s insistence on carrying bombs to the Soviet Union effectively eliminated research on missiles until Sputnik came along in 1957 and caused a whole ruckus of its own. A good book that goes into aspects of the situation that could use more emphasis than previous books have done.

[Rhuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If only the United States had a couple of hundred hydrogen bombs," said Air Force Secretary Thomas Finletter, "it could rule the world." Repelled by this psychology, Robert Oppenheimer opposed the development and proliferation of the H-bomb, becoming a "security threat" with all that implied in the first cold war era. It seems hypocritical, doesn't it, given his role in the Manhattan Project and a standing equal to Einstein in the physics world. Yet Oppenheimer was a man of diverse thoughts that - though uniting in a coherent pattern to him - emerged as contradictory and treasonous to more square-cut brains.

In this book we see how raw, unbridled power repelled him personally as well as politically, while fascinating his nemesis Edward Teller. Both men were Jewish, basing their stand on the anti-Nazi struggle of WW II, though reaching diametrically opposite conclusions. (We see which side Israel came to embody.) Critics have retrospectively observed that the scientists, for all their ingenuity, were childlike in their trust of government. Oppenheimer's persecution soon matured them. Though never indicted for treason - Oppenheimer was too commanding a presence for reckless smears, even in the McCarthy era - he was branded and marginalized the rest of his professional life.

Oppenheimer's anti-H-bomb partner, I. I. Rabi, phrased their dilemma best in a Los Alamos speech in 1983, quoted on p. 263: "We now had a power that put humanity on a new plane . . . in a position to start on a new road . . . We gave it away to people who didn't understand it . . . ", lamenting how scientists "hand[ed] over the products of their knowledge to people who don't have it . . . who don't have the fundamental feeling and appreciation . . . for the glory of the human spirit, who don't respect science as such."

An ominous warning in our age of emerging AI, with all the parallel deadly potential of unleashed and misused nuclear energy. A foreboding that Oppie - in whatever physical plane he now may be - surely shares.

[Jimmy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly researched story of Robert Oppenheimer's struggles that occurred in the 1950's. It is more of a story about his opponents and defenders. Oppenheimer directed and led the invention of the atomic bomb. His detractors, most notably Edward Teller and Lewis Strauss were seemingly jealous of his notoriety.

This story concerns morality, right and wrong, and the cost of fame.

[LRKK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less a history of the ruin of Oppenheimer (though it is that) and more a detailing history of atomic politics from 1946 through 54. A story with tragic implications, it details how a few savvy individuals with injured egos or over-weaning ambition (or both) can dupe and cow ‘sophisticated’ leaders and win the day. Thanks to historians like McMillan, the truth does finally out.

[Sean Rosekrans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trial of Oppenheimer

Hard to read and very difficult to keep characters in the proper context. Author jumps all over from place to different times.

[ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

provided a clear picture of the personalities and political atmosphere surrounding oppenheimer and laid out the path to the hydrogen bomb beautifully

[Peter Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the birth of the modern arms race.” Priscilla J. McMillan (Viking, 2005).
A remarkable book. From extensive research in recently unclassified archives, unpublished papers, well more than 100 interviews, etc., McMillan describes in excruciating detail Oppenheimer’s crucial role in developing the A bomb, in advancing the science as well as handling much of the politics, until overthrown by a malign combination of events including the Soviet A-bomb, the ambition of Lewis Strauss, the monomaniacal grasping of Edward Teller, McCarthyism, etc. result in a conspiracy among the Air Force, a pair of journalists, Strauss and Teller, as well as Oppenheimer’s own arrogance and pride. The story shows how his opponents lied, distorted events and depended on Oppenheimer himself to keep quiet. McMillan argues that, partly as a result of this conspiracy, the world lost several chances to end the nuclear arms race before it began (though one suspects the Soviets under Stalin would never have accepted any of the proposals).

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a pleasant surprise when a book turns out to be much better than you expected. Finding a work to be one of the best you've read in a subject, without warning, is sublime.

Having a background in nuclear power, I've read many books on the history of the Manhattan project, and biographies of many of the key scientific players, such as Teller. But for some reason I have never read much on the period just after the end of WWII, when the future of nuclear weaponry (and commercial use) was in it's infancy.

In particular, the debate over the creation of the hydrogen fusion bombs, and how that directly impacted the life, career, and legacy of arguably the father of nuclear weapons, Robert Oppenheimer.

While meticulously researched, this is an extremely readable history of that particular time when we chose to escalate the nuclear arms race, when militarily such an advance was not needed - while sacrificing the reputation and direct influence of a man who had helped usher in the Nuclear Age itself. I literally couldn't put this one down.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It talked about what happened to make J. Robert Oppenheimer, one of our outstanding scientists become exiled, and for little reason. An abundance of good material

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, well researched. Depressing for its revealing of how people can be railroaded, misrepresented, and ruined by petty people looking for vengeance, and by the feds.

[Edita Bytyqi · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a journalist style of writing and very history based. Important names are mentioned that scientists, and others, should know but not a very exciting read.