Q&A · 3:34:32-3:35:17

Who the United States might bomb in November 1944

Even with an atomic bomb available in November 1944, Japan remains the likelier first target because Allied troops were already fighting across Europe.

Question

If the United States had an atomic bomb by November 1944, who would be bombed first?

Short answer

Probably Japan, because using the weapon in Europe would put nearby Allied personnel at greater risk.

Notes

Germany is an obvious candidate, but the land campaign in Europe placed large Allied forces much closer to potential targets. That proximity increased the risk to friendly personnel from an unfamiliar weapon. Japan offered targets farther from American ground forces. The answer therefore still leans toward Japan while presenting the choice as a judgment rather than a certainty.