On August 2, 1939, Albert Einstein sent a letter that triggered the Manhattan Project to construct atom bombs "before Nazi Germany did. And it led to a widening of nuclear technology and what has been called the 'Atomic Age,'” writes Karl Grossman, professor of journalism at State University of New York/College at Old Westbury, author of several books, and Beyond Nuclear board member.
"Einstein regretted signing the August 2nd letter and was critical, too, of how atom bombs had led to civilian atomic energy. He also wrote in Out of My Later Years: 'Since I do not foresee that atomic energy is to be a great boon for a long time, I have to say that for the present time it is a menace.'" More