In 1945, the United States and its allies planned the greatest invasion in world history. America Attacks Japan: The Invasion That Never Was examines what might have happened had that invasion taken place, as well as the lingering controversies over the decision that made all those plans obsolete.
This book is not an analysis of Plan A versus Plan B. Instead, it is a human story that involved millions. Entire U.S. military divisions were declared expendable. Allied generals and politicians worried about mutiny and revolt should the bloodbath continue for any length of time. Both American and Japanese leaders wondered if their respective sides had the stamina or commitment to continue the fight to the end. While some Japanese leaders debated the possibility of national suicide should the Allies succeed, others talked of survival and building a new, peaceful Japan. But beneath these great plans and debates were also regular people, trapped in an event that promised to define the future of Japan and the rest of the world.
Using extensive original research and interviews, Tim Maga reminds us that history can be influenced by “what almost happened” as much as by “what happened.” For the Americans, the invasion planning was always linked to Japan occupation concerns. For the Japanese, the last great defense of the homeland was linked to disagreements over Japan’s future, the place of the emperor within it, and the dishonor of defeat. Maga examines these and other issues in what was truly one of the great dramas of the twentieth century.