San Francisco combined a major port and industrial center with cultural importance on the continental United States. In this scenario, political outrage could push Roosevelt to demand a rapid naval response and replace commanders who resisted. Seattle and Portland later became more important, but in the 1940-41 planning context San Francisco offered the stronger political target. San Diego might offer better military objectives, yet San Francisco better served the aim of provoking an emotional advance. Japanese submarines outside Pearl Harbor could then begin attrition as the Pacific Fleet sortied to intercept the raiders.
Chapter · 38:28-44:36
San Francisco as a political target
A strike on San Francisco could create greater political outrage than an attack on San Diego's stronger military targets.