Operation Thunderclap: The Bombing of Dresden

Abstract

Precision bombing of military targets was a reality in World War II by the end of 1943. By February, 1945, the war in Europe was nearly over. Why, then at that late date, was the city of Dresden destroyed by allied firebombing? In addressing this question, the Dresden case study examines the evolution of bombing practices on both sides during the war in Europe. Both British and American bombing policies are scrutinized. Objectives, both military and political served by the Dresden bombing, are explained. Public reaction to the bombings in the U.K. and the U.S. are discussed as well as the reaction of both Governments to those reactions. Finally, the study examines the doctrine of Just War, draws conclusions and provides commentary.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 31, 1989
Accession Number
ADA209271

Entities

People

  • Richard A. Conroy

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter IED
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Bombing
  • Case Studies
  • Governments
  • High Explosives
  • Instructors
  • Night Bombing
  • Personnel Management
  • Precision
  • Precision Bombing
  • Prisoners Of War
  • Railroads
  • Second World War
  • Transportation
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
  • Marksmanship and Weaponry.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.