How Justified Was The Bombing Of Germany

Question 1

Why did Britain devote resources in bombing Germany

Answer 1

• German deduction of Britain in the blitz caused resment and with US support revenge was justified
• It was one of the only methods to strike Germany itself
• strong belief in bomber commander thag large scale bombing could win the war and prevent civilian casualties. Though crew numbers lost were high it was deemed acceptable as it could reduce German capabilities preventing losses in an invasion
• implicit belief that terror bombing German cities would hit morale weakening Nazi regime

Question 2

What were some problem with bombing ?

Answer 2

-1942 specialist report indicated bombing ineffective and lacked precision
- Blitz hand destroyed morale in Britian and the same was true for Germany
- ethical objection to killing large numbers of civilians including women and children. Objected by Bishop Bell of Chichester in 1942

Question 3

What was the impact ?

Answer 3

• German deaths far higher in bombing than Brit who lost 60.5k compared to German 400-600k deaths
• losses of RAF bombers were heavy
• result not decisive in destroying German morale or productive capacity
• greasy effect when bombing was heavily concentrated on transport and communication
• lead to accusations of unnecessary and vindictive attacks and Dresden was controversial

Question 4

What was Harris’ tactic

Answer 4

Large scale incendiary bombing to create fire storms

Question 5

Why was Dresden controversial ?

Answer 5

Sheltered thousands of refugees

Question 6

What was WSC attitude to bombing civilians ?

Answer 6

Supported initiative to bomb key industrial and military targets such as Dambuster raids in the Ruhr
Supported bombing of civilian targets as a result of the Blitz

In private Churchill did express concerns over Dresden and the policy of terror bombin