Espionage

The trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg for passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union remains controversial today.

On February 27, 1943, nine Norwegian commandos sabotaged the German-held Vemork plant outside of Rjukan, Norway. Operation Gunnerside successfully set back Germany’s atomic bomb program.

The Alsos Mission’s goal was to learn how close Germany was to developing its own atomic weapon.

A key component of keeping the Manhattan Project secret was making sure Project sites were secret and secure.

Espionage was one of General Groves’ main concerns during the Manhattan Project.