United States Atomic Energy Commission facts for kids
The United States Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was a special group within the United States government. It was created after World War II by the United States Congress. The main goal of the AEC was to help develop atomic science and technology.
Before the AEC, the military controlled atomic energy. But after President Harry S. Truman signed a law called the McMahon/Atomic Energy Act in 1946, control moved to a civilian agency. Congress decided that atomic energy should be used for peace, not for nuclear war.
Contents
What Was the Atomic Energy Commission?
The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was a government agency. Its job was to manage all things related to atomic energy in the United States. This included research, development, and making sure atomic materials were used safely.
Why Was the AEC Created?
After World War II, the world saw the immense power of atomic energy. Leaders wanted to make sure this power was used for good. The AEC was created to guide how atomic science would grow. It also made sure atomic energy helped people, not harmed them.
What Did the AEC Do?
The AEC had many important tasks. It funded scientific research in labs across the country. It also oversaw the production of atomic materials. The agency worked to develop new ways to use atomic energy for things like electricity. They also focused on atomic medicine and other peaceful uses.
Over the years, many important people led the AEC. They worked with different presidents to guide atomic policy. The AEC played a big role in shaping how the United States used atomic power for decades.
Images for kids
-
President Harry S. Truman signs the Atomic Energy Act of 1946
-
Gordon Dean, who led the AEC from 1950 to 1953
-
President Dwight D. Eisenhower with AEC leader Lewis Strauss in 1954
-
AEC leader Glenn T. Seaborg with President John F. Kennedy in 1961
-
Dixy Lee Ray, the last person to lead the AEC, with Robert G. Sachs, director of the Argonne National Laboratory
See also
In Spanish: Comisión de Energía Atómica de los Estados Unidos para niños
