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Dresden in Ruins: The Most Controversial Bombing of WWII
Dresden in Ruins: The Most Controversial Bombing of WWII
Sputnik International
In February 1945, during World War II’s final months, Allied forces launched a devastating bombing campaign against Dresden.
2025-02-13T13:34+0000
2025-02-13T13:34+0000
2025-02-13T14:51+0000
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Operation "Thunderclap" was originally planned for Berlin or Leipzig, but early in 1945 the target shifted to Dresden. Before the war, Dresden had a population of about 650,000, but by February 1945 it was overcrowded with 1.5 to 2.5 million refugees – making the bombing even deadlier. Many historians argue that the attack was not meant to assist the Red Army – by clogging roads leading to the eastern front with refugees – but rather a political move: a display of military power intended to intimidate the Soviet leadership.Check out Sputnik's infographic to learn the details.
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world war ii’s final months, allied forces, devastating bombing campaign against dresde
world war ii’s final months, allied forces, devastating bombing campaign against dresde
Dresden in Ruins: The Most Controversial Bombing of WWII
13:34 GMT 13.02.2025 (Updated: 14:51 GMT 13.02.2025) On February 13 and 14 1945, Anglo-American forces bombed Dresden, reducing it to ruins. The destruction was catastrophic – 75% to 80% of the city was obliterated.
Operation "Thunderclap" was originally planned for Berlin or Leipzig, but early in 1945 the target shifted to Dresden.
Before the war, Dresden had a population of about 650,000, but by February 1945 it was overcrowded with 1.5 to 2.5 million refugees – making the bombing even deadlier.
Many historians argue that the attack was not meant to assist the Red Army – by clogging roads leading to the eastern front with refugees – but rather a political move: a display of military power intended to intimidate the Soviet leadership.
Check out Sputnik's infographic to learn the details.