Project Paperclip

Project Paperclip was a secret U.S. government program after World War II that recruited scientists and engineers from Nazi Germany, many of whom had worked on military and missile technology. The goal was to leverage their expertise to gain a technological edge during the Cold War, especially against the Soviet Union. These scientists, including those with controversial pasts, were brought to the U.S. and integrated into research institutions such as NASA. While it advanced American space and defense capabilities, the project also raised ethical questions about overlooking individuals’ wartime activities.