Oppenheimer and the Cold War

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and figures related to J. Robert Oppenheimer and the era in which he operated, particularly focusing on issues of security, loyalty, and the political climate of the Cold War.

J. Robert Oppenheimer

The American theoretical physicist who is best known for his role as the scientific director of the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bomb.

McCarthyism

A period of intense anti-communist suspicion in the United States during the early Cold War, characterized by aggressive investigations and accusations against alleged communists.

Security Clearance

Authorization granted to individuals to access classified national security information after a thorough background check.

Hydrogen Bomb

A thermonuclear weapon that uses fusion for its explosive force, theoretically more powerful than atomic bombs.

Cold War

The period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States and their respective allies, characterized by threats, propaganda, and other measures short of open warfare.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, a domestic intelligence and security service of the United States, responsible for investigating and enforcing federal laws.

Los Alamos

The site of the Manhattan Project and a research facility in New Mexico where the atomic bomb was developed.

Roger Robb

The attorney hired by the AEC to prosecute Oppenheimer during his security hearings, known for his aggressive approach.

Security Apparatus

The system and organizations that enforce national security and maintain surveillance of threats, including the military and intelligence services.

The AEC (Atomic Energy Commission)

A former United States government agency responsible for nuclear energy policy and regulations, disbanded in 1974.

Edward Teller

A Hungarian-American physicist known as the father of the hydrogen bomb, who testified against Oppenheimer in his security hearings.

House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives that conducted investigations into alleged activities by Communist Party members and others in regard to subversion.

Censorship

The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable or harmful, often exercised by government authorities.

Purity of Loyalty

A standard used during the McCarthy era to assess individuals' commitments to the United States against the backdrop of perceived communist influences.

Patriotic Duty

The obligation of citizens to show loyalty and service to their country, often emphasized during national crises.

Joint Committee on Atomic Energy

A congressional committee responsible for overseeing atomic energy matters; crucial in the hearings against Oppenheimer.