State Historical Society of Iowa

Letter from Dr. Luis Alvarez to his Son about the Atomic Bomb, August 6, 1945

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Courtesy of National Archives, Alvarez, Luis, "Letter from Luis Alvarez to His Son," 6 August 1945

Description

This item is an unsigned, three-page typewritten letter to Dr. Luis Alvarez's son Walter, headed "August 6th, 10 minutes off the Jap coast at 26,000 feet." This part described the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Alvarez's work on the atomic bomb led to the technique for detonation of the bomb. He also helped develop the ground-controlled landing approach system and the method for aerial bombing.

Full Transcript of Dr. Luis Alvarez's Letter to his Son

Transcribed Excerpts from Dr. Luis Alvarez's Letter to his Son

Source Dependent Questions

  • Use specific textual evidence to characterize the tone of this letter and Alvarez's reflection on the dropping of the atomic bomb.
  • According to Alvarez, what did the introduction of the atomic bomb mean for warfare and the future of the world? In your opinion, how might the existence of atomic weapons potentially have led to more destruction and more peace and cooperation?
  • How can Alvarez's letter, particularly paragraphs 2 and 3 of the excerpt, be used to understand one justification for dropping the atomic bomb to end the war in the Pacific?

Citation Information

Alvarez, Luis, "Letter from Luis Alvarez to His Son," 6 August 1945. Courtesy of National Archives Courtesy of Library of Congress