Nuking Kyoto would have been an irredeemable loss to humanity; anyone who has ever been there would surely understand this. The city is concentrated with ancient wonders and cultural vibrance of the highest order. Not to mention that the indelible injury to the national psychology of Japan would have been magnitudes greater.

It's astounding to me that the decision to destroy it would come down to just a few men on a war council. Thank God that Stimson prevailed.