The Blitz Flashcards
What was the Blitz intended to do?
Break the morale of the British people and destroy industry.
The people in the East End were often bombed. Why?
The London docks were attacked regularly.
What was the German airforce called and what they attempt to do?
The Luftwaffe. Tried to hit railway lines and junctions.
Why was the winter of 1940-1941 very difficult?
Bombing destroyed homes, lives and families. Every major city in the British Isles was attacked.
Why did bombing slacken off in 1941?
Hitler prepared to attack the Soviet Union.
What happened, despite precautions?
The effects of the bombing were much more devastating than anticipated.
What led people to be believe there would be little actual fighting?
The phoney war and that there was no slow build-up of bombing (unprepared).
When the Blitz started, it came without warning. Bombing came in several forms. What were the most common bombs?
Incendiaries.
Where was bombing first concentrated?
On central London, particularly the docks.
How did German planes attack the east end?
German planes followed the line of the Thames and then dropped their bombs on the East End.
Was Hitlers main aim of the Blitz accomplished? How?
Damage to building and morale was severe.
How did the British government attempt to maintain moral?
By publishing stories, which created the impression that ‘Britain could take it’. However, the truth was often very different.
What happened in October 1940?
Balham underground station was hit by a bomb, which burst a water main. 64 people drowned.
How did the government attempt create the impression that ‘Britain could take it’ for the USA?
US newsreels showed the people of London getting on with the job after nights of distraction.
What was the Blitz?
The German bombing of Britain from September 1940 until May 1941. It began after ‘Operation Sealion’ failed.
