The Enigma History and Mathematics

Abstract

In this thesis we look at the solution to the German code machine, the Enigma machine. This solution was originally found by Polish cryptologists. We look at the solution from a historical perspective, but most importantly, from a mathematical point of view. Although there are no complete records of the Polish solution, we try to reconstruct what was done, sometimes filling in blanks, and sometimes finding a more mathematical way than was originally found. We also look at whether the solution would have been possible without the help of information obtained from a German spy.