Strategic Bombing Survey - Europe

Europe

The Survey was formed on 3 November 1944 by Henry Stimson in response to a directive by President Roosevelt. The Survey was tasked with producing an impartial report on the effects of the bombing against Nazi Germany, in order to:

  • aid the upcoming campaign against the Japanese home islands,
  • to establish a basis for evaluating the importance and potentialities of air power as an instrument of military strategy,
  • for planning the future development of the United States armed forces, and
  • for determining future economic policies with respect to the national defense.

The Report, along with some 200 supporting documents, was released on 30 September 1945. The major conclusion of the report was that strategic bombing, particularly the destruction of the oil industry and truck manufacturing had greatly contributed to the success of the Allies in World War II. However, despite the overall contribution of the bombing, the survey concluded that the impact of strategic bombing could not be separated from the general collapse of Germany in 1945.

Read more about this topic:  Strategic Bombing Survey

Famous quotes containing the word europe:

    It is not unkind to say, from the standpoint of scenery alone, that if many, and indeed most, of our American national parks were to be set down on the continent of Europe thousands of Americans would journey all the way across the ocean in order to see their beauties.
    Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)

    For it does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and fresh currents of life must call into life fresh thoughts along its shores.
    Margaret Fuller (1810–1850)

    What helps it now, that Byron bore,
    With haughty scorn which mock’d the smart,
    Through Europe to the Aetolian shore
    The pageant of his bleeding heart?
    That thousands counted every groan,
    And Europe made his woe her own?
    Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)