London And WW2 (1939-45) - London: A Target City

Question 1

Accessibility for german bombers

Answer 1

• the thames and its estuary made an easy route-finder for pilots. In night raids, the moonlight shone on the thames, which was clearly visible from the air
• the area was close to channel and therefore near to occupied europe

Question 2

Why was london an important target for the germans?

Answer 2

• it was a seat of government
• it was a capital city
• centre for industry
• densely populated
• major port and transport hub

Question 3

What were the preparations for war in 1939?

Answer 3

• gas masks issued to all londoners
• air-raid precautions act required local governments to set up air-raid precautions
• LCC (London County council) organised fire, ambulence and heavy rescue services and care of homeless
• civil defence in 1939 to recruit volunteers
• london children to be evacuated
• national service brochure offered fees for rural families willing to take in evacuees
• families were offered anderson shelter or space in communal shelters if they did not have a garden

Question 4

Why was propaganda used?

Answer 4

-To maintain morale and encourage people to support the war effort.
Part of this aimed to influence attitudes about the Blitz.
-The government helped create the ‘blitz spirit’ where a united british population weathered the storm together and stood defiant. Royal family visited bomb sites.

Question 5

Why was censorship used?

Answer 5

To control public information

Question 6

When was the ministry of information set up

Answer 6

Sept 1939

Question 7

Who were the ministry of information?

Answer 7

A central government department responsible for propaganda and publicity