Why did Einstein urge Franklin Roosevelt to authorize research on atomic weapons?

Answer 1

Einstein received word from colleagues that Nazi Germany might have been researching atomic weapon technology at the time. Einstein felt that it was his duty to warn the Americans that Germany might be developing their own atomic bomb at the time, and that America should rush to beat the Germans to the bomb. He met and wrote President Franklin Roosevelt to give these warnings. As a result of these meetings, the Manhattan Project was initiated to develop an atomic bomb before Germany did.

Additional Information

Actually, Einstein had no part in composing the famous letter to FDR. It was put together by Hungarian scientists Leo Szilard and Eugene Wigner. Once it was done, however, the Hungarians felt that the letter would receive a better reception if it bore the signature of the eminent Albert Einstein.

Answer 2

Einstein urged President Roosevelt to authorize research on atomic weapons due to concerns that Nazi Germany was working on developing such weapons. He believed that it was crucial for the United States to be at the forefront of atomic research in order to prevent the Nazis from gaining an advantage in warfare.