alternatehistory.com

So I've been playing around with the idea of a third world war around 1949 or so. Most people assume the US to go head on with the atomic bombs in continental Europe at this point, but say for the sake of argument that thanks to protests against the atomic attacks on Japan in 45 Truman decides against using the bomb.

I'm trying to find a way for the Soviets to use their bomb first. My first thought was possibly in Berlin once its retaken by the Allies, implying that the West doesn't know the Commies have the bomb. I could be way off target on this one, but I'm assuming that wouldn't do enough to curb US sentiment enough to get the bomb cleared to be used by America.

My thought was that the attack needs to take place on an American city. I just don't see any lone Tu-4s slamming their way through coastal air defenses to demolish LA or New York, so this is my real question: Is it possible for the Soviets to either sneak a bomb onto a captured cargo ship or perhaps a Submarine and detonate it in a major harbor?
Top