The first atomic bomb in history was detonated on July 16, 1945, in a remote desert in New Mexico. The test, codenamed Trinity, was part of the secret Manhattan Project that aimed to develop nuclear weapons before Nazi Germany. The explosion was so powerful that it created a mushroom cloud that rose to over 38,000 feet and could be seen from hundreds of miles away. It also marked the dawn of the nuclear age, with profound implications for science, war, and ethics.
But what did the scientists who witnessed the test feel at that moment? How did they cope with the realization that they had unleashed a new force of destruction that could wipe out entire cities and civilizations? And what did they do after the war, when the bombs they created were used against Japan, killing hundreds of thousands of people?
One of the scientists who had a pivotal role in the Trinity test was Kenneth Bainbridge, a physicist who was the director of the test. He was responsible for overseeing the preparations, instrumentation, and safety measures for the experiment. He was also one of the few people who knew the exact location and time of the test, which was kept secret even from President Harry Truman until after it happened.
Bainbridge was among the group of scientists who observed the test from a bunker 10 miles away from ground zero. He later recalled that he was nervous before the detonation, as he feared that something might go wrong or that the device might not work at all. He also worried about the possible effects of radiation on the environment and human health.
When the bomb exploded, Bainbridge was stunned by the sight and sound of it. He said that it was “a foul and awesome display” that no one who saw it could forget. He also uttered a memorable phrase to Robert Oppenheimer, the scientific director of the Manhattan Project, who was standing next to him. He said to Oppenheimer: “Now we are all sons of bitches.”
This remark has been interpreted in different ways by historians and biographers. Some have suggested that Bainbridge meant it as a joke or a compliment, implying that they had done something extraordinary and daring. Others have argued that he meant it as a lament or a curse, expressing his regret and guilt for creating such a monstrous weapon.
Whatever his intention, Bainbridge’s words reflected his ambivalence and conflict about his role in the nuclear project. He later said that he felt “a certain pride” in his work, but also “a certain horror” at its consequences. He said that he wished that nuclear weapons had never been invented, but also acknowledged that they might have been necessary to end the war and prevent more bloodshed.
After the war, Bainbridge became an outspoken advocate for arms control and nuclear disarmament. He joined several organizations and committees that aimed to limit or ban nuclear testing and proliferation. He also testified before Congress and wrote articles and letters to voice his opinions and concerns. He said that he felt “a moral obligation” to speak out against nuclear weapons and to educate the public about their dangers.
Bainbridge died in 1996 at the age of 91. He left behind a legacy of scientific achievements and social activism. He also left behind a haunting quote that captured his mixed feelings about his involvement in the Trinity test: “Now we are all sons of bitches.”
Relevant articles:
– Trinity Test Eyewitnesses, Nuclear Museum, January 18, 2023
– Manhattan Project: The Trinity Test, July 16, 1945, OSTI.GOV, January 20, 2023
– Oppenheimer didn’t actually say this. However, Trinity Test director Kenneth Bainbridge said “Now we are all sons of bitches,” which is a much better quote., Twitter, July 15, 2023