The controversial WWII bombing of Dresden.

Debate: The destruction of a historic city

Another important point of the debate over the bombing of Dresden is that Dresden was a major historical city and cultural center that should not have been destroyed.

"Prudent building regulations enabled the city to maintain its charm despite its stormy growth. Together with the lively cultural climate, this founded Dresden's reputation as an attractive destination for thousands of tourists." [7]


This quote from modern day Dresden's official website shows that Dresden was a popular tourist destination. The "Lively Cultural Climate" mentioned helps to show that Dresden was a cultural center.

According to the Convention Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land (The Hague, October 18m 1907) The destruction of historical monuments must be avoided.

"In sieges and bombardments all necessary steps must be taken to spare, as far as possible, buildings dedicated to religion, art, science, or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals, and places where the sick and wounded are collected, provided that they are not being used at the time for military purposes. " [6]

Dresden being a historical center would make its destruction a violation of the above article.

"The culturally and historically so valuable city centre was buried under 18 million cubic metres of rubble." [7]

This quote, again from modern day Dresden's official website, shows that Dresden considers considers itself to be culturally and historically valuable.


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Sources used on this page:

#6
#7 
Picture
(used on top)

Picture
The frauenkirche, destroyed in the war (was rebuilt) seen from several angles.


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                                                   - The bombing of civilians
                                                   - The destruction of a historic city
                                                   - Military significance of Dresden