Arguments for the bombings
- They helped to win the war. The bombings disrupted German industry and infrastructure, reducing Germany's ability to fight the war. They also terrorized the civilian population, making them less likely to support the Nazi regime.
- They were necessary to stop the Holocaust. The Holocaust was the Nazi regime's attempt to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe. By bombing Germany, the Allies made it more difficult for the Nazis to carry out the Holocaust.
- They were justified retaliation for German bombing of other countries. Germany had bombed many cities in Britain and other countries, killing thousands of civilians. The Allies argued that their bombing of Germany was justified retaliation for these attacks.
Arguments against the bombings
- They were indiscriminate. The bombings often killed civilians as well as military targets. Some argue that indiscriminate bombing is a war crime.
- They were unnecessary. Some argue that the bombings only prolonged the war, and that Germany would have surrendered soon anyway.
- They were immoral. Some argue that war can never be justified and that even if the bombings were legal, that does not make them moral.
Conclusion
There is no easy answer to the question of whether it was right to bomb Germany. There are both strong arguments for and against the bombings. Ultimately, whether or not someone believes that the bombings were right is a matter of personal opinion.