Final answer:
The United States authorized the development of the atomic bomb in 1941 as a response to the outbreak of World War II and concerns over Germany's atomic weapons. The project was known as the Manhattan Project and was led by J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States authorized the development of the atomic bomb in 1941. This decision was made in response to the outbreak of World War II and concerns over the possibility of Germany developing atomic weapons. The project, known as the Manhattan Project, was led by physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and received significant funding and resources.
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