About Scott Isaacs Expertise I can answer (or find the answer) to most questions one would ask about American, British, Soviet/Russian, or European 20th century history.
Experience I have been an avid student of history since I was 13 and I have read many books regarding many subjects in history. Studying and discussing history is one of my favorite things to do. I am currently 20 years old and am well on my way to a Bachelors Degree in History, followed by a Masters.
Expert: Scott Isaacs Date: 6/21/2003 Subject: world wars
Question during world war I most military operation were aimed at military targerts. during world war II both sides made s systematic policy of attacking civilians. Why was there the difference?
Answer Teri,
I apologize for such a late reply. My internet service has been down for several days.
The first reason that comes to mind is because it was so much easier to attack civilians in World War II. During World War I, the sides were stalemated much of the time, dug in across from one another and the only targets that were usually within range were military targets. Also, the advent of bomber and fighter aircraft made it possible to attack civilians without regard to where the front lines were. The planes could simply fly over them, thus increasing the danger zone from a mile or two around the front lines to anywhere that was within range of aircraft.
The second and, I think, most likely reason is that the first world war was started because of an entanglement of alliances, treaties, and mutual protection pacts and the second world war was started for revenge. The Nazis and the people that flocked to them were a demoralized and humiliated people. The Treaty of Versailles had broken Germany's back and Germany knew who it had to thank for that: the French and the British, but mostly the French. The punitive measures of Versailles planted the seeds of vengeance in the hearts of the Germans and, in about 20 years, they sprouted into a massive conflict where Germany took over nearly all of Europe. The Nazis also considered attacking civilians perfectly alright because during the Versailles negotiations the Allies imposed a food blockade on the civilians, basically starving the followers so the leaders would give in.
The crux is that you are dealing with two different Germanys. The first was an aristocratic and fairly civilized country and the second was a bloodthirsty monster out to avenge past wrongs done to it.
As far as Japan goes: I would say the reason civilians on the Japanese homeland were targeted was because the Japanese were so fervent in the desire to win and in the avoidance of surrender. Another reason was that the Japanese gave no quarter to the civilians it captured in the Philippines and elsewhere so the Americans were not in a very forgiving mood. Americans were angry and tired by the end of the war and they wanted it to end, which is why they supported President Truman's use of atomic weapons. They didn't want any more American boys to die.
