The history of nuclear weapons is a complex narrative that spans several decades, filled with scientific breakthroughs, political decisions, and ethical debates. Here's a broad overview: ### Early Discoveries 1. **Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century**: The scientific foundation for nuclear weapons began with the discovery of radioactivity. Key figures such as Henri Becquerel, Marie Curie, and Ernest Rutherford made significant contributions to understanding atomic structure.