The U.S. determines by early 1945 that Japan will never surrender and will need to be subdued by force. Newly sworn-in President Truman must authorize an invasion of the Japanese home islands at a terrible cost to American lives. Emperor Hirohito hopes to avoid the destruction of his land and people, but his generals are agitating for war. Both men seek a way out, but only one can deploy the most terrible weapon the world has ever seen.
This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):
- Jon Meacham, presidential historian
- Dan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore History
- Craig L. Symonds, military historian and author
- Christopher Harding, senior lecturer, University of Edinburgh
- Saul David, military historian and author
- Noriko Kawamura, professor, Washington State University
- Yuki Tatsumi, senior director, Institute for Indo-Pacific Security
- Jonathan Parshall, military historian, US Naval War College
- Robert Citino, senior historian, National WWII Museum
- Martin Morgan, military historian and author
- A.J. Baime, journalist and author
- Sarada Peri, presidential speechwriter and political analyst
- Colonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War College
- Bradley Hart, military historian, National WWII Museum
- Dr. Rebecca Grant, national security analyst