Washington, DC: Truman approves H-bomb development
On January 31, 1950, President Harry Truman directed the Atomic Energy Commission to proceed with developing the hydrogen bomb, far more powerful than atomic weapons. This decision responded to Soviet nuclear advances and espionage concerns.
Background
Decision
On January 31, 1950, President Harry S. Truman authorised the Atomic Energy Commission to continue research and development on all types of nuclear weapons, including the so-called hydrogen or super bomb. This weapon uses nuclear fusion, which produces an explosion orders of magnitude greater than the fission of the atomic bombs of 1945.
Background
The announcement followed the Soviet atomic bomb test of 1949 and the discovery that the US scientist Klaus Fuchs had been spying for the Soviets. Truman stressed his duty as commander-in-chief to defend the USA against aggressors and promised that the work would be carried out in keeping with the priorities of peace and security.
Significance
The directive led to the test of the first hydrogen bomb, "Mike", on November 1, 1952 at Eniwetok Atoll. It marked an escalation of the nuclear arms race in the Cold War and influenced reports such as NSC 68 on national security.