Episode 16 - And Then the War Came

In this episode of the History of Japan podcast, the host, Isaac Meyer, delves into the complex origins and progression of the Pacific War. He begins by outlining Japan's seemingly advantageous position in 1939, followed by the internal weaknesses and miscalculations that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The episode further details the war's three phases, Japan's strategic missteps, and the internal conflicts within the Japanese government regarding surrender. Meyer also addresses common misconceptions about the use of atomic bombs and concludes with the aftermath of Japan's surrender and the immense human cost of the conflict.