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The Fire-Bombing of Dresden, Germany in 1945 with Dr. Finn Ballard
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Our conversation will examine the narrative timeline of the deadly fire-bombing of Dresden, which took place between February 13th and 15th. We will also discuss the last-ditch propaganda campaign this attack on the German homefront generated for the Axis powers.
Additionally, we will learn about the restoration of this Saxon city post-Cold War. Today it holds a paradoxical position as both the former capital of German Neo-Nazism and a beautifully picturesque destination for travelers. Finally, we will pose the question which still divides WWII historians: was the firebombing of Dresden a necessary wartime operation or a war crime?
Led by an expert on modern German history, Dr. Finn Ballard, this Conversation will tell the tale of one of the most devastating attacks to occur within the European theatre of World War II. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a nuanced understanding of one of the most controversial events of the war.
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Finn grew up in Northern Ireland before moving to England to study and later teach in the department of Film and Literature at the University of Warwick. He completed his doctoral study on German folklore and popular cinema in 2012, and has published extensively in the fields of Film Studies and Gender Studies. Since 2008, he has been living and guiding in Berlin. He now works as a historical advisor for television and film productions set in Berlin, particularly during the Weimar era or Third Reich. He is a journalist for the 'Siegessauele', Europe's foremost Queer magazine, and organises events at Berlin's English-language bookstore 'Another Country'.
Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
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In war there are no victors...Explore the political reasons, learn of the statistics, and discover the current politics of Dresden. Another Fabulous not-to-be-missed lecture by Dr. Ballard
Dr Ballard have an outstanding presentation: well structured and organized, informative, excellent photos.
Informative
What a tragic story told by the wonderful Finn Ballard. How can we ever stop ruining such wonderful towns and making victims of innocent people - I know, by not allowing narcisists to get in power!