Why was the Dresden bombing a war crime?
Why was the Dresden bombing a war crime?
Because of pre-knowledge of the target, because it was methodically planned, because Stalin had insisted on it, because all scruples were put aside in the interests of prosecuting a war about to be won, Dresden was deliberately destroyed. Since then the decision to bomb it has been widely described as a war crime.
Why was Dresden a target?
Dresden was a key transport junction. To Churchill and his war cabinet, this made Dresden a strategic target. Bombing the city might halt the flow of German troops and speed the advance of the Soviet army into Germany. Bombing Dresden might help the Russian war effort.
Why did Allies bomb Dresden?
The punishing, three-day Allied bombing attack on Dresden from February 13 to 15 in the final months of World War II became among the most controversial Allied actions of the war. In an effort to force a surrender, the Dresden bombing was intended to terrorize the civilian population locally and nationwide.
What is Dresden known for?
Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony (Freistaat Sachsen) in eastern Germany. But it is perhaps best known for the massive firebombing that destroyed most of the city and killed at least 25,000 people in the last months of World War II.
Why was Dresden part of the Valley of the Clueless?
It was in what was called the “Valley of the Clueless” — one of the only places in East Germany that didn’t get Western television. Under the communists, Dresden restored some of its damaged buildings, left others in ruins, and replaced many with modern, utilitarian sprawl.
Why was Vonnegut in Dresden?
Soon after arrival, he was taken prisoner by the Nazis, who were mounting their last great offensive of the war at the Battle of the Bulge, and sent to Dresden alongside fellow POWs. Writing for Mental Floss, Suzanne Raga notes that Vonnegut spent his days working long hours in a malt-syrup factory.