Chapter 18 "Trinity" Summary

Harry Truman learns about the atomic bomb immediately on President Roosevelt's death. He already knew about the "Manhattan Project," but Secretary of War, Henry Lewis Stimson (now 77 years of age) and James Frances "Jimmy" Byrnes, who unofficially ran the country while Roosevelt ran the war, provide details. Byrnes believes the bomb will put the United States in a position to dictate terms at the end of the war. Truman asks Byrnes to transcribe his shorthand notes on the Yalta Conference. Truman then names Byrnes Secretary of State, and he is given a free hand in domestic affairs. Roosevelt promised Byrnes he would be his Vice President in the 1948 elections, guaranteeing him the Presidency. Roosevelt named Truman instead, deeply hurting his friend. Truman needs Byrnes' help. State was the most powerful office he had to offer.

Neils Bohr seeks to...