In the spring of 1945, the committee choosing atomic targets put Kyoto first. The city had a million people, no bombing damage, and plenty of factories and universities. From a military point of view, it was the obvious choice.
Henry Stimson, the Secretary of War, crossed it off. He had visited Kyoto before the war and knew what it held: a thousand years of temples and gardens, and the old imperial capital. He argued that destroying it would turn Japan against America for a generation.
The generals put Kyoto back on the list. Stimson removed it again, then went to President Truman himself to make sure it stayed off. The list was rewritten in late July.
The city that replaced Kyoto was added at the very end, only weeks before August. Its name is the part most people never learn.
Free for seven days on the annual plan. Cancel anytime before the trial ends.
