The London Blitz is a term used to describe the sustained bombing of London and other cities in Britain by German forces during World War II. The Blitz began on September 7, 1940, and lasted for eight months until May 11, 1941. During this time, the German Luftwaffe dropped over 18,000 tons of bombs on London alone.
Causes of the London Blitz
The Blitz was a result of several factors. One of the main reasons was Germany’s desire to destroy Britain’s industrial capacity and break its will to continue fighting. In addition, Hitler wanted to terrorize the British population and force them to surrender.
Another factor that contributed to the Blitz was Britain’s decision to bomb Berlin and other German cities earlier in the war. This led Hitler to order retaliatory attacks on British cities as part of his strategy of “total war.”
Impact of the London Blitz
The Blitz had a devastating impact on London and its people. Over 30,000 civilians were killed and more than a million homes were destroyed or damaged. The city’s infrastructure was severely damaged, with many roads, bridges, and buildings reduced to rubble.
Despite this destruction, however, the people of London showed remarkable resilience and determination. They refused to be cowed by the bombing and continued with their daily lives as much as possible.
The End of the London Blitz
The end of the Blitz came in May 1941 when Hitler redirected his forces towards an invasion of Russia. This allowed Britain some respite from bombing raids until later in the war when Hitler launched another round of attacks known as the “Baby Blitz.”
In conclusion, while there were several reasons for why did the London Blitz happen – Germany’s desire to destroy Britain’s industrial capacity being one – it remains one of history’s most devastating events that had far-reaching consequences that still affect the world today. However, the courage and resilience of the people of London during this time is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure even in the darkest of times.