Be aware that this episode contains a great deal of extremely gruesome video footage and photography of the casualties and devestation of the Dresden raid and of air and ground combat related to the story line. I expect many people will find it disturbing and perhaps horrifying.
I have been aware of the Dresden raid for several decades but never learned the details. I was anxious to learn more and I chose this episode from the series to watch first. For me, this was an excellent overview of the events leading up to the raid, of the actions that transpired during the raid and the reslting impact on the war. The allies motivations for proceding with the raid are supported by these historical events.
Thoughout the episode the program directly confronts the overarching question whether the action against Dresden was immoral even in an environment of "Total War" (a term esposed by Hitler). I feel the episode gives a balanced description of controversy. I addition to the Allies motivations it presents the German perspective but distinguishes fact from propoganda and describes the regret felt by many Allied leaders in the aftermath.
While the program presents the various opinions it does not endorse any of them. Perhaps the producers, directors and writers feel as I do; that safe in my home 75 years later, I don't feel qualified nor justified in making a judgement. But I felt they they are suggesting Dresden should serve as warning against such actions in the future.
I have been aware of the Dresden raid for several decades but never learned the details. I was anxious to learn more and I chose this episode from the series to watch first. For me, this was an excellent overview of the events leading up to the raid, of the actions that transpired during the raid and the reslting impact on the war. The allies motivations for proceding with the raid are supported by these historical events.
Thoughout the episode the program directly confronts the overarching question whether the action against Dresden was immoral even in an environment of "Total War" (a term esposed by Hitler). I feel the episode gives a balanced description of controversy. I addition to the Allies motivations it presents the German perspective but distinguishes fact from propoganda and describes the regret felt by many Allied leaders in the aftermath.
While the program presents the various opinions it does not endorse any of them. Perhaps the producers, directors and writers feel as I do; that safe in my home 75 years later, I don't feel qualified nor justified in making a judgement. But I felt they they are suggesting Dresden should serve as warning against such actions in the future.
