The Manhattan Project | Scientific Achievement vs Ethical Responsibility (Republish)

The Manhattan Project | Scientific Achievement vs Ethical Responsibility (Republish)

During the summer break, the 15-Minute History podcast team are republishing some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Season 9 begins Monday, October 7!

___

It was still dark. The group of men felt the breeze getting warmer as the eastern horizon began to show signs of light. One of the men, tall with no expression, watched as final preparations were made to a large object in front of the group.

The others saw the anxiety in his face in a way that only those had had been around him could discern. The man walked forward, spoke with some of the technicians, and watched them haul it away. It was going to a tower, visible in the distance. Conversations around him continued, but only because it seemed like they had to. Somehow, the silence would have been louder.

Not long after, notifications came from the tower; an all clear was given. At 5:29 a.m., a flash of light that was so brilliant it could be seen from 200 miles away blossomed in the desert. The mushroom cloud rose 40,000 feet into the air, and the shock wave was felt 100 miles from ground zero. The man who all that morning had worn no expression, would later recall remembering a Hindu scripture in that moment: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

Another man who witnessed the test described the overwhelming impression it left: "A new thing had just been born; a new control; a new understanding of man, which man had acquired over nature." Another observer said, "The lighting effects beggared description. The whole country was lighted by a searing light with the intensity many times that of the midday sun."

Humanity had crossed a threshold.

___

Join us as we show you the Manhattan Project, the reason behind the development of nuclear weapons, and the ethical implications of such an invention.

Jaksot(416)

Christmas Bells | Hope

Christmas Bells | Hope

It’s Christmas Day, 1863, and a man is reading a letter. The letter had arrived several days before, but every time he picks up the parchment, it feels like the first time. He sits quietly in the solitude of his study, his hands trembling, his mind bearing the weight of the words on the page. His eyes, now weary and red-rimmed, trace over the inked letters as he uses the words “battle”, “seriously wounded”, and “son” to form a picture in his mind. Join us as share the story of a broken man and the hope he finds. From all of us at the 15-Minute History podcast, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

22 Joulu 20236min

Two Kings | A Discussion

Two Kings | A Discussion

When reviewing evil in history, ancient kings are easy targets. Join us as we discuss two kings and detail two major events during their reign.

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Pop Quiz | Communism vs. Fascism

Pop Quiz | Communism vs. Fascism

Welcome to the Pop Quiz! Every other Thursday, Joe asks a topical question about history, and Jon has to answer it without any help or resources - other than his legendary memory and knowledge of history. These episodes are unedited and a fun way for the team to interact more with you, our outstanding audience. Have an idea for a topic? Want to try and stump Jon? Send it to us at 15minutehistory@gmail.com or submit it to our website at https://www.15minutehistorypodcast.org. We promise not to give him any hints.

14 Joulu 202311min

Two Kings | Examining Intentions

Two Kings | Examining Intentions

When reviewing evil in history, ancient kings are easy targets. It is common to review their actions out of the context of their time, apply current values to ancient actions, and judge accordingly. In today’s episode, we review two kings and detail two major events during their reign.

11 Joulu 202315min

Thursday Thoughts | A Model of Competition

Thursday Thoughts | A Model of Competition

Welcome to a new segment in 15-Minute History called, Thursday Thoughts! Every other Thursday, Joe will speak about a specific person, place, or event in history in under five minutes. This week, we teach you about Porter's Five Force model, how it helps break down the complexity of competition in the market, and its influence on businesses across the globe. Spoiler alert: Ever wonder why there are millions of podcasts? It's because barriers to entry are very low. As a result, competition is high, which makes us very thankful for you, our outstanding audience.

7 Joulu 20235min

Confronting Evil | A Discussion on Three People in History

Confronting Evil | A Discussion on Three People in History

Join us as we discuss confronting evil, the three figures in history, and the actions that inspire others to stand.

4 Joulu 202335min

Pop Quiz | The Grenada Invasion

Pop Quiz | The Grenada Invasion

Welcome to the Pop Quiz! Every other Thursday, Joe asks a topical question about history, and Jon has to answer it without any help or resources - other than his legendary memory and knowledge of history. These episodes are unedited and a fun way for the team to interact more with you, our outstanding audience. Have an idea for a topic? Want to try and stump Jon? Send it to us at 15minutehistory@gmail.com or submit it to our website at https://www.15minutehistorypodcast.org. We promise not to give him any hints.

30 Marras 20237min

Confronting Evil | Three People in History

Confronting Evil | Three People in History

How do leaders confront villains? Among history’s most important lessons are seeing how people and nations face down rising evil. In this episode, we are going to examine the actions of three statesmen as they looked outward and saw gathering storms on the horizon. They took different approaches; some failed and others succeeded. And perhaps their deeds can shape our own if ever our societies are under threat.

27 Marras 202316min

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