Endgame

About this episode

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 • Bradle