During World War II, London witnessed one of the most devastating attacks in history. From September 7, 1940, to May 11, 1941, Germany bombarded London with a series of air raids known as the Blitz.
But why did Germany bomb London? Let’s take a closer look.
The Background
When Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933, he began to break the terms of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. Among other things, he rebuilt the German army and annexed Austria and parts of Czechoslovakia. In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland and Britain declared war on Germany.
The Plan
Hitler’s plan was to defeat Britain before turning his attention to the Soviet Union. He believed that by destroying Britain’s ability and will to fight, he could force Britain to sue for peace.
The Strategy
The German strategy was to launch a massive bombing campaign against Britain’s cities and industrial centers. The Royal Air Force (RAF) was seen as the biggest obstacle to this plan, so it had to be destroyed first. The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) launched a series of attacks on RAF airfields and radar stations in July-August 1940 in what became known as the Battle of Britain.
The Failure
Despite heavy losses on both sides, the RAF managed to hold off the Luftwaffe and prevent them from gaining air superiority over southern England. This forced Hitler to change his strategy from attacking military Targets to attacking civilian Targets in an attempt to break British morale.
The Blitz Begins
The first major attack on London occurred on September 7th when over 300 German bombers attacked the city. This marked the beginning of an eight-month campaign of bombing that would kill over 40,000 civilians and destroy countless buildings.
The Reasons
There were several reasons why London was Targeted in the Blitz. Firstly, it was Britain’s capital city and the center of government, industry, and culture.
Secondly, it was a major port and transportation hub, making it a strategic Target for disrupting British supply lines. Lastly, Hitler believed that by bombing London he could demoralize the British people and force them to surrender.
The Aftermath
Despite the devastation caused by the Blitz, Britain did not surrender. Instead, the attacks had the opposite effect and strengthened British resolve to continue fighting. The RAF also used this time to rebuild its strength and launch its own bombing campaign against German cities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Germany bombed London during the Blitz as part of its strategy to defeat Britain. While it caused massive destruction and loss of life, it ultimately failed to achieve its objective. Today, London stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity and a testament to the courage of those who endured the Blitz.