Research Question

Question:
What was the reasoning behind the intentional air raids and subsequent decimation of the cities of Dresden and London in World War II?


What I will have to learn: 
To answer my question without relying on speculation will require a fair deal of research. I will have to look at military logs, historian perspectives and really look at this situation from both sides. The trouble I foresee is not finding information on the bombings, but legitimate reasons for their occurrence. I do not believe I will get the same reason twice, so I will probably have to take their common themes and work from there. If I can find them, personal reactions and motivations concerning these events would shed light on any personal or societal vendettas, which could shed light on possible ulterior motives. I hate time consuming work Mrs. Knechel.