Open city facts for kids
In times of war, when enemy forces are close to taking over a city, the government or military in charge of that city might declare it an open city. This means they will not try to defend the city with weapons or fighting. The idea is that the attacking army will then agree not to bomb or attack the city. This helps to protect important historic buildings from being destroyed and to keep civilians (people who are not soldiers) safe from harm.
What is an Open City?
An open city is a place that is not defended by its own army. It is not set up with defenses like walls or forts. Instead, it is left open for the enemy forces to enter without any fighting.
Under international rules of war, an open city should not be bombed or attacked with artillery. This rule is meant to protect people and places.
However, armies that are attacking do not always respect a city's declaration of being "open." Sometimes, a city is declared open because the defending side knows they are about to lose. Other times, a city could be defended, but the defenders choose not to fight to save the city from being destroyed.
Open Cities in World War II
Many cities were declared open during World War II. Here are some examples:
- Brussels in 1940
- Oslo in 1940
- Paris in 1940. The French Government left Paris when it became clear they could not defend it.
- Belgrade in April 1941
- Penang in December 1941. This happened after the British army moved back to Singapore.
- Manila in 1941. The American military left Manila during the Japanese invasion.
- Rome on August 14, 1943. The Italian forces defending Rome declared it an "open city" after Allied bombing stopped. This was meant to protect it from German attacks. Later, when Allied forces entered Rome in June 1944, the retreating German forces also declared Florence and Chieti "open cities" on March 24, 1944.
- Athens on October 11, 1944. The Germans declared Athens an open city.
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