Endgame

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