The Controversy of the Dresden Bombing

The bombing of Dresden in February 1945 is framed as one of the most controversial events during World War II, sparking a fierce debate about its morality. This bombing raid resulted in the destruction of a city that had been relatively untouched by war up until that point, leading to significant civilian casualties, with estimates suggesting around 25,000 deaths. Historians are divided, as some deem the act a war crime, while others view it as a necessary military strategy in the final months of the war. The crux of the controversy lies in whether the targeting of civilians and the introduction of firestorms were justified, challenging the ethical dimensions of total war tactics employed by the Allies.