The Blitz

The Blitz

The Blitz was a period of sustained strategic bombing of the United Kingdom by Nazi Germany during World War II. The term is derived from the German word Blitzkrieg, meaning "lightning war". The Blitz began on 7 September 1940 and lasted until 11 May 1941.

Background

The Blitz was part of a larger campaign by the Luftwaffe to destroy the Royal Air Force and demoralize the British population. The Battle of Britain, which preceded the Blitz, was a military campaign in which the German Air Force attempted to gain air superiority over the RAF.

Major Cities Affected

The primary target of the Blitz was London, which was bombed for 57 consecutive nights. Other cities that suffered significant damage included Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Plymouth, Southampton, Sheffield, Cardiff, Clydebank, Coventry, and Belfast.

Impact on Civilians

The Blitz resulted in the deaths of approximately 43,000 civilians, with over 139,000 injured. The bombings caused widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, leading to significant displacement of the population. The British government implemented measures such as air raid shelters, blackouts, and evacuation of children to the countryside to protect civilians.

Military and Strategic Outcomes

Despite the extensive damage and loss of life, the Blitz failed to achieve its primary objectives. The RAF remained operational, and British morale, although tested, did not collapse. The Blitz is often cited as a demonstration of the resilience of the British people during wartime.

Legacy

The Blitz has left a lasting impact on British culture and history. It is remembered for the "Blitz spirit," a term used to describe the stoic and defiant attitude of the British public during the bombings. The period is commemorated in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television.

See Also

• Battle of Britain
• World War II
• Luftwaffe
• Royal Air Force

External Links

• The Blitz - Imperial War Museums
• The Blitz - BBC History