Firebombing of Dresden By: SS, AR and MM

Thesis The tactic of firebombing was introduced by the Allies at Dresden, Germany which caused mass destruction and raised ethical controversy, ultimately contributing to the end of allied strategic bombing in Europe.

Location

Brief Overview February 13 - 15 1945 Allies attack on Dresden, Germany 35,000 to 135,000 killed 3,900 tons of bombs

Main Goals Prevent Germans from moving to Eastern Front Break German Morale Destroy Communication Centers PAYBACK!! (rumor) Coventry

Thesis The tactic of firebombing was introduced by the Allies at Dresden, Germany which caused mass destruction and raised ethical controversy, ultimately contributing to the end of allied strategic bombing in Europe.

Firebombing v. Regular Bombing Reg. Bombing Technique used to damage large area Used fire caused by incendiary devices DAMAGE NOT FROM BLAST OF LARGE BOMBS Created vacuum Bombed random targets Target buildings not people Flames did not get bigger Damage comes from blasts

Battle Strategy Bombing Dresden town with multitudes of weaponry Spaced out bombings Dropped more than 800 bombs at once Targeted wood structures for max damage

Why Was This Successful Germany surprised w/ TWO bombings Bombing very accurate Wooden structures + ideal weather= max damage Destroyed German morale No German military occupation

Thesis The tactic of firebombing was introduced by the Allies at Dresden, Germany which caused mass destruction and raised ethical controversy, ultimately contributing to the end of allied strategic bombing in Europe.

Allies are never tried The Controversy A war crime Civilians die 35,000 - 135,000 Allies are never tried Devastation beyond the city

Civilian Cards

Results and Significance most no civilians survived Germans did not know it was allied bombing Controversy on civilian bombing End of allied bombing in Europe British payback

Thesis The tactic of firebombing was introduced by the Allies at Dresden, Germany which caused mass destruction and raised ethical controversy, ultimately contributing to the end of allied strategic bombing in Europe.

Timeline 1943: US bombs military targets February 14, 1945: US firebombs Dresden 1940: Battle of Britain 1942: GB switches to area bombing Evening of February 13, 1945: GB firebombs Dresden February 15, 1945: Last firebombing from the allies at Dresden, Germany

Thanks For Listening :) Hope you learned a little something