MIREA—Russian Technological University (Moscow, Russia)
V. B. Kuznetsov, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, viacheslaw.ku@yandex.ru
This article reflects on the key events in the development of Soviet nuclear weapons and the nuclear industry. It highlights the role of two superpowers—the United States and the USSR—as pioneers of the atomic era for humanity. It highlights underreported key points and emphasizes the invaluable contribution of scientists and engineers to the implementation of the atomic project. It emphasizes that the USSR accepted the atomic challenge because of a real threat looming over the country. The article provides a historical overview and demonstrates that Soviet scientists kept pace with Western physicists in their research into the mysteries of the uranium problem. It also emphasizes the crucial role of Soviet intelligence, which, in the vacuum of the USSR’s international isolation, managed to obtain invaluable information on the development of the atomic bomb in the United States and other Western countries. It emphasizes that this work was carried out amidst the brutal and bloody war and the turbulent post-war period. The consequences of this factor are also discussed. The need to transfer the atomic project under the NKVD’s wing is justified. The necessary management structures are listed and their functions explained. The mobilizationbased nature of the atomic project implementation is emphasized. The contributions of specific scientists are particularly noted. The greatness of these individuals lies in the fact that they placed the interests and freedom of the Motherland as their highest priority, literally sacrificing their lives and health for the Fatherland. Many of them departed early, with a sense of duty fulfilled and a job well done. Finally, assessments and conclusions are drawn.
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