The nature of the Blitz (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Notes

The nature of the Blitz

What was the Blitz?

The Blitz represented a sustained German bombing campaign against British cities during World War Two. Initially, German forces targeted military installations, industry, and transport networks, with the heaviest bombing concentrated in London's East End. However, after 19 September 1940, the strategy shifted dramatically as Germany aimed to destroy civilian morale by targeting all areas of London and other major cities.

The five stages of the Blitz

The Blitz evolved through distinct phases, each with different targets and intensities:

Stage 1: Early targeted bombing (25 August - 19 September 1940)

During this initial phase, German bombers focused on military bases, industrial sites, energy supplies, and communication networks. This represented a more traditional military approach to bombing.

Stage 2: The main Blitz (20 September 1940 - 10 May 1941)

This period marked the shift to attacking civilian targets. German strategy changed to focus on homes, national treasures, industry, and communications infrastructure. The goal was to break British civilian morale and force surrender.

Stage 3: The 'Lull' (May 1941 - January 1944)

Bombing became irregular during this period, with retaliation raids occurring but not every night. This reduction in intensity was partly due to Germany's focus on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union.

Stage 4: The 'Baby Blitz' (January - April 1944)

Although fewer raids occurred during these final conventional attacks, monthly casualties actually increased from 58 to 948 people. This showed that even reduced bombing remained deadly effective.

Stage 5: V-weapon attacks (June 1944 - March 1945)

German strategy switched completely to pilotless aircraft attacks using V1 and V2 rockets, representing a new technological approach to bombing.

Black Saturday - 7 September 1940

Black Saturday marked the true beginning of the sustained Blitz campaign. The attack began around 5 p.m. and continued for approximately 12 hours, demonstrating Germany's commitment to round-the-clock bombing.

The human cost was immediate and severe - over 400 people died and 1,600 suffered serious injuries during just this single night. The attacks concentrated on London's East End, particularly targeting the docks, industries, and railways that were vital to Britain's war effort.

Following 19 September, German strategy evolved to focus on achieving high death tolls, causing serious urban damage, and disrupting essential services across the capital.

Weapons used during the Blitz

Traditional bombs (1940-41)

German forces employed three main types of conventional explosives:

Incendiaries were typically dropped by the first wave of bombers to start fires and guide subsequent aircraft to their targets. These caused approximately 90% of bombing damage and were particularly effective in creating widespread destruction. On 29 December 1940, incendiary bombs started over 1,500 fires across central London.

High explosives came later in bombing raids and were designed with delayed fuses to harm rescue workers attempting to help victims. This psychological warfare tactic made rescue operations extremely dangerous.

Mines proved most powerful of all conventional weapons. Dropped by parachute, these attacks remained silent and difficult to detect, making them particularly terrifying for civilians.

The V-weapon revolution (1944-45)

Germany's introduction of V1 and V2 weapons represented a technological leap that fundamentally changed the nature of air attacks.

The V1 'flying bomb' could hit London targets during daylight hours and caused extensive damage and casualties. However, these weapons flew relatively low, making it difficult to trigger air-raid warnings and reach shelter in time. Most casualties resulted from flying glass created by the explosions.

The V2 rocket was the world's first ballistic missile, carrying a warhead and travelling so fast that it exploded before people could hear it approaching. These attacks continued until Allied forces captured the launch sites in Europe.

The government initially censored information about these new weapons to prevent public panic, showing how seriously they took the psychological impact of the attacks.

Case study: The V2 attack on Deptford, 25 November 1944

This attack demonstrated the devastating impact of Germany's new rocket technology. A large Woolworths store in New Cross, Deptford was struck during Saturday lunchtime when many civilians were shopping. The timing maximised casualties - 160 people died and 200 sustained injuries from this single rocket strike.

Impact of the V-weapons campaign

The V1 and V2 attacks had profound effects on British society:

Civilian morale dropped significantly, and factory workers frequently left their posts when attacks occurred. This showed that Germany's strategy of targeting civilian confidence was partially successful.

Mass evacuations resumed as people sought safety, and Underground stations filled with civilians seeking shelter, recreating scenes from the early Blitz period.

Government popularity declined as people felt unprotected against these new weapons, which were much harder to defend against than conventional aircraft.

The statistics reveal the campaign's devastating impact: over 30,000 houses were destroyed and almost 29,000 people were killed or injured throughout the V-weapon attacks.

Timeline of major Blitz events

• 25 August 1940: First Blitz begins with targeted military bombing
• 7 September 1940: Black Saturday - sustained London bombing begins
• 19 September 1940: Strategy shifts to target civilian morale
• 29 December 1940: Major incendiary attack creates 1,500+ fires in central London
• 10 May 1941: End of main Blitz period
• May 1941 - January 1944: The 'Lull' - irregular retaliation raids
• January - April 1944: 'Baby Blitz' - fewer but more deadly raids
• 25 November 1944: V2 attack on Deptford Woolworths
• June 1944 - March 1945: V1 and V2 rocket campaign

Remember!

• The Blitz evolved through five distinct stages, from military targets to civilian terror bombing to advanced rocket attacks
• Black Saturday (7 September 1940) marked the beginning of sustained attacks on London, lasting 12 hours and killing over 400 people
• Three types of conventional bombs were used strategically: incendiaries to start fires, high explosives with delayed fuses, and powerful parachute mines
• V1 and V2 weapons represented a technological revolution that changed warfare forever - V2s were the world's first ballistic missiles
• The psychological impact was as important as physical damage, with civilian morale, evacuation patterns, and government popularity all significantly affected by the changing nature of the bombing campaign