Allied Strategic Bombing of Germany, 1940 - 1945

Aerial Campaigns Targeting Nazi Germany’s Industry, Infrastructure, and Morale

Illustration

Simeon Netchev
by
published on 03 April 2024
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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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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. He believes every image should tell a story and invite interaction, while every map should lead on a journey — blending imagination with e

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APA Style

Netchev, S. (2024, April 03). Allied Strategic Bombing of Germany, 1940 - 1945. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18762/allied-strategic-bombing-of-germany-1940---1945/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Allied Strategic Bombing of Germany, 1940 - 1945." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 03, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18762/allied-strategic-bombing-of-germany-1940---1945/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Allied Strategic Bombing of Germany, 1940 - 1945." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 03 Apr 2024, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18762/allied-strategic-bombing-of-germany-1940---1945/. Web. 29 Apr 2025.

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