The Atomic Secret in Red Hands? American Suspicions of Theoretical Physicists During the Early Cold War

ABSTRACT During the early years of the Cold War, a formulaic depiction emerged in the United States linking one group of scientists—theoretical physicists—with “atomic secrets,” whose possession would supposedly allow other nations to build their own nuclear weapons. Scrutiny narrowed quickly around theoretical physicists, as reporters, senators, and federal judges alike asserted that theorists were inherently a breed apart, more susceptible than any other group of people to Communist influence.