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 historianDan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore HistoryCraig L. Symonds, military historian and authorChristopher Harding, senior lecturer, University of EdinburghSaul David, military historian and authorNoriko Kawamura, professor, Washington State UniversityYuki Tatsumi, senior director, Institute for Indo-Pacific SecurityJonathan Parshall, military historian, US Naval War CollegeRobert Citino, senior historian, National WWII MuseumMartin Morgan, military historian and authorA.J. Baime, journalist and authorSarada Peri, presidential speechwriter and political analystColonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War CollegeBradley Hart, military historian, National WWII MuseumDr. Rebecca Grant, national security analyst
