OK, accepting your assumption that I can’t bomb Russian atomic weapons development facilities, my first step is to build air bases in Finland, West Germany, China, and Japan so that I have the ability to strike anyplace in the Soviet Union. If this still isn’t enough, I prioritize developing long-range bombers.
If Stalin invades Western Europe I use my Air Force to destroy his logistical support and follow Patton’s advice of reactivating as much of the German army as possible under American command. I use atomic weapons against Soviet targets if this would significantly harm Soviet logistics and industrial capacity. I think, given my air superiority, that I am able to hold off the Soviets and put a massive strain on their industrial capacity.
my first step is to build air bases in Finland, West Germany, China, and Japan
You forgot about the invasion part :-) It will be hard for you to build airbases in the the Finnish Soviet Socialist Republic (or in the German Soviet Socialist Republic). Japan you have, but China might be a bit difficult—they have a civil war going on and someone by the name of Mao seems to be winning.
I prioritize developing long-range bombers
Sure, that’s what Truman did as well. You get B-52s in early-to-mid 50s, but that’s too late. The Russian have nukes by that time.
If Stalin invades Western Europe I use my Air Force to destroy his logistical support and follow Patton’s advice of reactivating as much of the German army as possible under American command.
You’re being a bit too optimistic, I think. You assume the natural superiority of the US Air Force, but it didn’t exist in the 1940s. Russia produced about 40,000 aircraft in the single year of 1944 and their planes don’t need to cross the Atlantic. And why would the Germans fight for you?
I think, given my air superiority, that I am able to hold off the Soviets and put a massive strain on their industrial capacity.
I have my doubts, but not that it matters. So you hold off the Soviets in Western Europe. Stalemate.
But the clock is ticking. If you do not conquer Russia (see “land war in Asia”) by 1949, you lose. Can you?
OK, accepting your assumption that I can’t bomb Russian atomic weapons development facilities, my first step is to build air bases in Finland, West Germany, China, and Japan so that I have the ability to strike anyplace in the Soviet Union. If this still isn’t enough, I prioritize developing long-range bombers.
If Stalin invades Western Europe I use my Air Force to destroy his logistical support and follow Patton’s advice of reactivating as much of the German army as possible under American command. I use atomic weapons against Soviet targets if this would significantly harm Soviet logistics and industrial capacity. I think, given my air superiority, that I am able to hold off the Soviets and put a massive strain on their industrial capacity.
You forgot about the invasion part :-) It will be hard for you to build airbases in the the Finnish Soviet Socialist Republic (or in the German Soviet Socialist Republic). Japan you have, but China might be a bit difficult—they have a civil war going on and someone by the name of Mao seems to be winning.
Sure, that’s what Truman did as well. You get B-52s in early-to-mid 50s, but that’s too late. The Russian have nukes by that time.
You’re being a bit too optimistic, I think. You assume the natural superiority of the US Air Force, but it didn’t exist in the 1940s. Russia produced about 40,000 aircraft in the single year of 1944 and their planes don’t need to cross the Atlantic. And why would the Germans fight for you?
I have my doubts, but not that it matters. So you hold off the Soviets in Western Europe. Stalemate.
But the clock is ticking. If you do not conquer Russia (see “land war in Asia”) by 1949, you lose. Can you?