A renowned historian discusses the lead - up to the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan in 1945.
Three men and the countdown to the end of World War II.
The first man is Henry Stimson, the long-serving Secretary of War. To his credit, Stimson had qualms about dropping bombs on civilians. For military purposes it was necessary to bomb populous civilian laden cities with the "first gadget." Hiroshima was first one selected. At age 77, Stimson must have been very tired at this point in his long and storied career.
Sec. Stimson disapproves bombing Kyoto, a most historic Japanese city. Good for him. Stimson is the first hero in this book's story.
Oppenheimer is a striking, almost haunting figure meeting with Stimson and others at the Pentagon.
Oppenheimer and Stimson were kindred spirits in understanding that nuclear weapons needed international control.
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