German conventional ICBMs would harden American resolve

What impact would German conventional ICBMs capable of reaching Russia and North America have in World War II?

Their direct damage might be limited, but attacks on American cities would intensify US mobilization and accelerate the campaign against Germany.

The military effect depends on accuracy and the small conventional payload that an early intercontinental missile could deliver. The political effect would be much larger once German weapons struck New York, Washington, or another symbolic target. The panel compares the likely public reaction with the response to Pearl Harbor and expects a greatly accelerated flow of men and matériel to Europe. Rather than delaying an Allied invasion through terror, the strikes could make an earlier and more heavily supported campaign politically unavoidable.