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