L16: strategic bombing: Dresden and Tokyo

Question 1

aims and limitations of strategic bombing

Answer 1

• attack industrial, political infrastructure as well as purely military targets
• inaccurate bombing
• create panic amongst public

Question 2

why was impact of firebombing so devastating

Answer 2

• high wind + houses from wood & paper -> fire spread quickly
• decreased morale/ damaged Tokyo’s war production

Question 3

impact of bombing of Dresden

Answer 3

• bombing + resulting firestorm bc of strong winds -> 90% of city destroyed
• 25000 ppl killed w 70% dying bc suffocation
• terror bombing campaign

Question 4

why USA fire bomb Tokyo

Answer 4

• factories in residential areas in hope of disguising them -> the bombers x avoid inflicting civilian casualties
• strategic bombing

Question 5

why was bombing of Dresden so devestating

Answer 5

• allies = air supremacy -> bombing was less dangerous than previous -> fly at lower altitude which increased accuracy -> creates panic
• 880 tons of mainly incendiary bombs