WW2 - How justified was the bombing of Germany? Flashcards
How many civilians died in the bombing of Dresden in Germany?
40,000 approximately
How many Germans died in total due to civilian bombings?
400,000 - 600,000
How many British died between 1939-45 due to civilian bombing?
60,595
Where had Germany used civilian bombing?
- Poland 1939
- Low countries, Belgium and France in 1940
- Britain
Civilian bombing in Britain?
‘Blitz’
RAF Bomber Command
Section of RAF formed with civilian bombing of Germany in mind
What did a specialist report in 1942 find about civilian bombing?
It was not precise or effective enough to substantially damage German industrial production.
How did the ‘Blitz’ advocate against civilian bombing in Germany?
It had not destroyed moral in Britain. Little chance it would destroy German moral and the support in the Fuhrer.
What did Germans think of Hitler in 1943?
His genius was the only way to stop Russia from invading and taking terrible revenge. Germany could not defeat the USSR without him.
Ethical objections to civilian bombing in Germany?
Voiced by:
- Bishop Bell of Chichester
Who initiated civilian bombing of Germany?
Sir Arthur Harris in 1942
Support of USA
How did Harris aim to create mass destruction in German cities.
Assembling large forces of bombers with incendiary bombs to deliberately create fire storms.
When was Dresden hit?
February 1945
Major cities destroyed?
- Hamburg
- Ruhr
- Berlin
- Dresden
Who was in Dresden?
Refugees
