[DoodleDawg]

Indeed, what hostile act had the people of Dresden performed prior to the bombardment?

The bombardment of Dresden did not initiate World War II. It occurred six years into it.

[kiryandil]

The bombardment of Dresden did not initiate World War II. It occurred six years into it.

Despite your attempted obfuscation (quelle Surprise!), Bomber Harris' attack on Dresden is actually a good analogy.

The people of Dresden were just about as guilty as the garrison at Fort Sumter.

[smoothsailing]

The bombardment of Dresden did not initiate World War II. It occurred six years into it.

The survivors were no doubt relieved to learn that.

The survivors of Sumter (which apparently was everybody) were probably just delighted to be alive.