Summary: The Blitz Campaign on London
The Blitz which was "lightning" in German, also known as "Black Saturday," was the German bombing campaign on London, England between 1940 and 1941. This marked the start of total war in Britain. It originally started with the Luftwaffe targeting oil depots but accidentally hitting homes in East London, which Hitler was rumored to be angry about initially because permission was never given for London to be bombed. Britain quickly retaliated with a counterattack, decided on by Churchill, on Berlin. Hitler became furious and declared constant bombing intent. This resulted in brutalities not only for the citizens, but for Britain as well.
Effects of Bombing on Lifestyles
The Blitz caused many changes to parents, children, and citizens in general. A result of bombing included 'blast lungs' which was a condition in which the bombs would suck the air out of lungs, causing people to suffocate. Due to the constant bombing by the Germans, citizens were advised to constantly wear or carry gas masks around with them. Gas masks were then issued to every citizen, with special ones being made for children to protect them from smoke or toxic fumes from the bombs. By the end of October 1940 a quarter of a million of people in London were left homeless. These people, and other people who sought refuge from the bombs, slept in the subways to protect themselves. Children were evacuated from Britain by their families so they could be protected. For more information about children go to our webpage (/children.html). Although several families were separated and people were killed, most decided to join the war effort or support Britain however they could.
Damage to London
The German bombing campaign was the first experience that Britain had with the ideal of total war. What had once been an accident on Germany's behalf soon became a constant cycle of retaliation. Germany, on days end, kept attacking Britain with a constant stream of bombs. London physically was destroyed by the bombs and most of the city had to be completely rebuilt (as seen above in "Summary" and to the left). The attacks shifted from oil depots to direct attacks on the people of Britain. The concentrated attacks soon became focused on destroying the British population and hurting morale. Air raids during the night became so frequent that people moved to "tube stations" or subways to protect themselves. Once the tube stations became crowded, basements of public houses were the next best option.
Results
While Germany's main goal was to the soften the Britain population and break British morale, they ultimately failed despite successfully bombing London. Churchill even noticed the strength of his people when he said "I found their morale to be high." Despite being separated from their families, having their homes destroyed, and close ones killed, the people of Britain were encouraged to put faith behind their country and join, in whatever way they could, the war against the Allies. A propaganda film in 1941 stated it right when they said "'Britain can take it. Bombs can only kill; they can ever destroy the indomitable spirit of the people of London. Britain can take it"'
One mistake by the government of Britain, however, while bombing was occurring was the propaganda that supposedly showed people to be leading normal lives, such as going out to parties. This angered some British citizens and caused some riots and protests against the government, for things like rationing and propaganda.
Germany, upon realizing that their bombing campaign wasn't as successful as they had hoped, turned their war efforts toward the Soviets. This resulted in the operation of Barbarossa.
One mistake by the government of Britain, however, while bombing was occurring was the propaganda that supposedly showed people to be leading normal lives, such as going out to parties. This angered some British citizens and caused some riots and protests against the government, for things like rationing and propaganda.
Germany, upon realizing that their bombing campaign wasn't as successful as they had hoped, turned their war efforts toward the Soviets. This resulted in the operation of Barbarossa.
Sources
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/homefront.htm
http://www.history.co.uk/explore-history/ww2/british-home-front.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwtwo/
http://www.history.co.uk/explore-history/ww2/british-home-front.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwtwo/