The Blitz Flashcards
What was the Blitz?
This was the name given to German attempts to bomb Britain out of the war.
Why did Hitler organize the Blitz?
Hitler hoped that the Blitz would force Britain to surrender and he wanted revenge for British bombing of German cities.
When was the Blitz?
7th September - 2nd November 1940, London was bombed every night.
What was the target for the first raids?
The East End, with hits on docks and factories.
What was significant about Liverpool?
It was attacked regularly and, in May 1941, suffered the biggest single raid on a mainland city.
What were the consequences of the bombing in Belfast?
At least 1000 people were killed and 150 000 made homeless.
What was the ‘Blitz Spirit’?
It showed how people were determined to resist Hitler
The London Underground was full of jolly singing as people sheltered from the bombs.
What was the effect of the Blitz on the Royals?
Buckingham Palace was damaged but King George VI was often on the scene after a severe raid to encourage people as they struggled to save those trapped under the debris.
What were the civilian consequences of the Blitz?
In each week of September 1940, 40-50 000 people were killed and thousands were injured. In London alone, 12 500 died in December and over 3 million homes were destroyed.
What happened in Coventry?
Coventry was hit by 30 000 incendiary bombs on 14th November 1940. The city centre was almost destroyed.
What happened to the people in Coventry?
People were so terrified that they fled the city each night, sleeping with relatives or in farmers’ barns or just camping out in fields.
When did the Blitz restart?
In 1944-45 with the V-1 and V-2 missiles.
What were the V-1 missiles nicknamed and why?
The doodlebug because of the noise it made at night.
What were the consequences of the V-1 missiles?
6000 V-1 bombs actually reached targets in Britain, causing 20 000 casualties and considerable damage to houses (which were already in short supply)
What were the consequences of the V-2 missiles?
The V-2 was a more fearsome weapon than the V-1. It was so fast that it couldn’t be shot down or even seen!
Around 500 V-2s hit London between September 1944 and March 1945, causing 9000 casualties.
