Allied Knowledge of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1943–1944

When we get into hypothetical questions in history—what could have been done—we have to start out by examining what was done. Then we can look at what was considered at the time, but not done, and the reasons why it was not done. Then we might look at what was technically and politically feasible, given what was known at the time. Then and only then can we proceed to discuss what should have been done. Lastly, we might want to consider what could have been done, given what we know in hindsight.