Arguments for carpet-bombing
* Carpet-bombing was an effective way to destroy enemy infrastructure, including military bases, factories, and transportation networks. This could greatly weaken an enemy's ability to wage war.
* Carpet-bombing could also be used to target enemy morale. By destroying civilian areas, carpet-bombing could cause panic and demoralization, leading to a loss of will to fight.
* Carpet-bombing was sometimes seen as a necessary evil in order to win the war. The argument was that it was better to sacrifice some innocent civilian lives in order to achieve victory over a brutal and oppressive enemy.
Arguments against carpet-bombing
* Carpet-bombing was an indiscriminate tactic that often resulted in the unnecessary loss of innocent civilian life.
* Carpet-bombing could cause widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, leading to long-term health and environmental problems.
* Carpet-bombing could also lead to the creation of refugees, who would often be displaced for many years.
* Carpet-bombing was seen by some as a violation of the rules of war, which prohibited the deliberate targeting of civilians.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not carpet-bombing was ethical is a complex one that depends on a variety of factors, including the specific circumstances of each case, the intended goals, and the potential consequences.