Atomic Science Education for the American Public, 1945-1949

Abstract

A widespread atomic science public education movement in the United States during the late 1940s provided multiple media through which the basic science of the atom moved from scientific obscurity to expected public knowledge. During the first half of the twentieth century information about atomic science for the general public was limited and frequently inaccurate. In 1945, however, following the governmental press releases about the atomic bombs dropped on Japan, there was a call for an atomically educated public from social, political, and scientific leaders. Many individuals and organizations took it upon themselves to become atomic educators. Life magazine provided diagrams about the atom, the comic book industry produced comics like Dagwood Splits the Atom, major film studios like MGM created Hollywood films that incorporated didactic scenes on atomic science, scientists gave public lectures, reporters attended educational workshops to improve their atomic stories, and organizations like the National Committee on Atomic Information distributed materials on the atom to all who requested them. Large exhibits and events took place, some part of a larger event such at the Man and the Atom exhibit at the New York Golden Jubilee or independent, as in the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Atomic Institute.” Although the drive for a public understanding of the atom came initially from government officials and atomic scientists the project was quickly taken up by various members of the general public and popular media creators.