Was Britain’s War against Hitler’s Germany in WW2 a Just War?

Question 1

Did they meet the Lawful Authority clause?

Answer 1

Yes

War was declared and controlled by the democratically elected British government

This government was not corrupt/incompetent and is therefore classified as a lawful authority

Question 2

Did they meet the Just Cause clause?

Answer 2

Yes

Hitler had already invaded or taken over two neighbouring countries in his attempts to gain more territory for Germany

Hitler was not allowed to do this under the Treaty of Versailles

Hitler would continue to plough through countries (an injustice)

Question 3

Did they meet the Just Intention clause?

Answer 3

Yes

Germany was totally defeated and peace re-established between Britain and Germany - today they are close allies

Peace was the aim and was achieved

Britain did not aim to take over Germany

Question 4

Did they meet the Proportionality clause?

Answer 4

No

There was intense bombing of German cities by British bombers - hundreds of thousands of German civilians were killed

Cities are inhabited by civilians and are not military areas

The good expected to come of this is minimal and not at all proportionate

Question 5

Did they meet the Last Resort clause?

Answer 5

Yes

Chamberlain tried appeasement

For four years previously there had been tense negotiations to try to settle the problem without a war

Britain had allowed Hitler to get his own way to avoid war

Question 6

Did they meet the Chance of Success clause?

Answer 6

Yes

The war was declared to prevent Hitler from invading other areas

Britain was allies and prepared — they stood a reasonable chance of success