How to Build an Atomic Bomb - WW2 Documentary Special

Here near the end of 1944, we look at the development of the atomic bomb. What different methods of creating a nuclear reaction are being developed? How close are they to development? How does it work? Will they be able to make one in 1945? Will it go boom?

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Hosted by: Indy Neidell
Director: Astrid Deinhard
Producers: Astrid Deinhard and Spartacus Olsson
Executive Producers: Astrid Deinhard, Indy Neidell, Spartacus Olsson
Creative Producer: Marek Kamiński
Community Management: Ian Sowden
Written by: James Newman
Research by: James Newman
Map animations by: Daniel Weiss
Map research by: Sietse Kenter
Edited by: Iryna Dulka
Artwork and color grading by: Mikołaj Uchman
Sound design by: Marek Kamiński
Colorizations by:
Mikołaj Uchman
Daniel Weiss

Image sources:
Photographs courtesy of the National Security Research Center at Los Alamos National Laboratory
Implosion bomb from Wikimedia Commons

Soundtracks from Epidemic Sound:
London - Howard Harper-Barnes
Melting Glass - Eden Avery
Le Chasseur et les Fugitifs - Ludvig Moulin
Progressive Progress - Howard Harper-Barnes
Infiltrator - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen
Past Deeds - Dream Cave
On the Edge of Change - Brightarm Orchestra

A TimeGhost chronological documentary produced by OnLion Entertainment GmbH.

[WorldWarTwo]

Nuclear power has been both hailed and reviled since the atomic age began; hailed for the energy produced, and reviled for the damage it can and has both intentionally and accidentally unleashed upon the earth. This episode is about 1944, but what do you think the future holds for atomic energy here in 2023?

[FLORATOSOTHON]

As a Mechanical Engineer with a PhD in Applied Thermodynamics and additional studies in Energy Production methods, Nuclear Engineering and Modern Physics, I congratulate you on the detailed and highly accurate description of the subject.
Very good work.

[sammyboi]

Neumann János (John von Neumann), Szilárd Leó and Teller Ede. 3 Hungarian physicists who helped in the development of the atomic bomb making it a true international effort.

[davidblair]

Supposedly, during that fateful run over Hiroshima, Col. Tibbits’ bombardier also maintained the _Enola Gay’s_ logbook. His comment upon release was to the effect of “It will be interesting to see the effect of this weapon upon the city.” His next entry, supposedly written immediately after the detonation, reads “My God, what have we done?”

[rickhobson]

OMG they used to show us "A is for Atom" in school. We were at the tail end of the "Duck and Cover" era, so we got "Fire Drills" in school rather than full on Nuc drills... but every week they would test the air raid siren on the top of city hall. That long, lonesome wail....

[nospam]

"Where's the kaboom? There was supposed to be an Earth shattering kaboom!"

I couldn't help thinking of this with Indy's descriptions 😁

[ronaldfinkelstein]

The test nuclear 'device' was called "The Gadget". "Fat Man" (which may have been named after Sidney Greenstreet, in "The Maltese Falcon") was the bomb dropped on Nagasaki. The bomb dropped on Hiroshima was called "Little Boy"

[MartinCHorowitz]

Today I was at an Event with Kip Thorne who was mentored by Robert Oppenheimer and was an Advisor on the Movie.
He gave an interesting perspective on Oppenheimer importance in the Bomb Project.

[El_Presidente_]

3:30
Indy managed to sneak Baseball into WW2 once again.

[thurin]

interesting factoid; the practice bombs, both conventional explosive and dummy, were orange and nicknamed "pumpkins". some of the conventional explosive variety were used on training missions over japan prior to the dropping of the atomic bombs.

[mammuchan]

This video is proof that Indy can present on any topic, and make you believe he knows exactly what he is talking about✌. Unless you are a secret nuclear physicist and we just didn’t know it Indy? 😎

[RyanAnderson-pqge]

Love the updated 1944 map in the background, you guys really go all the way 👍🏻

[rashkavar]

Honestly, it's amazing to me that the design of a uranium bomb - the most primitive of nuclear bombs, yes, but still a nuclear bomb - is so simple that they didn't even bother to test it.

[gunman]

A great episode from Indy and the World War Two team as always about the creation of the atomic bomb. Thank you.

[WhitishSine]

As a Mechatronics Engineer who saw Oppenheimer, I liked the video keep up the good work

[mannymota]

Sir, one of the best presentations on the subject that I've seen. Well done.

[michaldubovsky]

I have a PhD in Nuclear and subnuclear physics, but still the video was very informative and interesting for me. Very good job! (as always 🙂 )

[stevenverdoliva]

Indy, don't let anyone tell you that you don't know about fission. Your explanation was excellent. 👍🏻

[naveenrajeee]

Hi Indy
Wow truly great video with correct explanation.
Also poster behind your wall, which showcast current scenario of the war is great.
Thanks for another special.

[Gogmosis]

Man the timing of the movie tied it well for you guys