Europe 1914–1949: History Maps of the World Wars

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by Simeon Netchev
published on 31 March 2025

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Allied Strategic Bombing of Germany, 1940 - 1945

by Simeon Netchev
published on 03 April 2024

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Allied Strategic Bombing of Germany, 1940 - 1945 — View Full-Size Image

This map illustrates the scale and impact of Allied strategic bombing operations against Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945. Conducted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), the campaign aimed to weaken Germany's war effort by systematically targeting industrial hubs, transportation infrastructure, and urban centers.

The sustained bombing offensive evolved throughout the war, intensifying in both scope and coordination. It included landmark operations such as Operation Chastise (the “Dambusters” raid) and the devastating ‘Thousand Bomber’ raids, including Operation Gomorrah, which unleashed firestorms over Hamburg. These large-scale attacks—sometimes involving over 1,000 aircraft—sought to overwhelm German air defenses, disrupt military production, and erode civilian morale. The campaign left lasting physical and psychological scars, and its legacy remains a subject of historical debate regarding its effectiveness and humanitarian cost.

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