Title in original language: Bez roznětu Alternativní scénáře pro (ne)využití jaderné bomby 1939–1946
Author: Michal Ulvr
Title in English: No ignition. Alternative scenarios for the (non-)use of the nuclear bomb 1939– 1946
Journal: Česko-slovenská historická ročenka, 26, 2, 2024, pp. 205-235
Abstract: This study examines key moments in American nuclear research and the use of nuclear bombs in 1945. The aim is to analyse the key counterfactual branching points and to explore possible alternative developments using the sources available. In particular, scenarios covering nuclear bomb test failure and partial success, failure to deploy the bomb in combat, and more generally the interaction between the nuclear bomb test and actual deployment and the turbulent events at the end of World War II are discussed. Special attention is then devoted to the possible invasion of Japan in the event of both the failure to develop the nuclear bomb and the absence of a Japanese surrender in 1945.
Keywords: counterfactual history, Manhattan Project, nuclear bomb, invasion of Japan, Operation Downfall, Operation Olympic, Operation Coronet, Oppenheimer, Groves, Harry Truman