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Abstract

The area bombing of Germany in 1942-43 brings into relief several important issues that arise in the study of political psychology. The area bombing issue illustrates the importance of personality: when powerful institutional forces are in conflict; when the situation is highly ambiguous; and when the actor has special access to the ultimate decision-makers and can limit access by others.

The policy advocated by Churchill's scientific adviser, Professor Lindemann (Lord Cherwell), was particularly congenial to Cherwell's temperament. The consequences of the adoption of this policy are still not easy to assess, though post-war appraisals tend to question its military effectiveness.

The lack of any agreed conclusion about its worth underlines the inherent ambiguity of the situation confronting British policy-makers in 1942, and the opportunity this provided for the impact of personality.

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When Does Personality Make a Difference? Lord Cherwell and the Area Bombing of Germany

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