The Blitz and Civilian Life
When the bombs fell on London, ordinary life changed. Learn where the attacks hit hardest, how people sheltered and carried on, and why the government worried about morale.
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London under the bombs 💣
From 1940 German bombers pounded London night after night. The docks and the East End were hit hardest, and ordinary life was turned upside down. This module looks at the nature of the attacks, how they affected civilians, and how Londoners coped.
Words to know 🔑
Four terms run through this topic. Learn them first.
Attack and response 🔥
The bombing was heavy, but Londoners found ways to carry on.
Focus on the people 💡
In the Historic Environment paper you gain marks by explaining the IMPACT on civilians and their MORALE. The government watched morale closely, fearing that heavy bombing might break it. Remember the paper also tests how useful a source about the Blitz is.
Match the term 🔗
- The Blitz
- Incendiary bomb
- Air-raid shelter
- Morale
- The heavy German bombing from 1940
- A bomb designed to start fires
- A protected place used during a raid
- How hopeful and determined people feel
What did they do? 🎯
What were incendiary bombs designed to do?
- Start fires
- Provide shelter
- Warn of a raid
- Evacuate children
Match the event 🚇
- Black Saturday
- The East End
- Tube stations
- Bethnal Green
- The first big raid on London, in September 1940
- The docks and industry that were hit hardest
- Used by many as shelters at night
- The site of a shelter disaster in 1943
Carrying on ✅
Which TWO of these show how Londoners carried on during the Blitz? Choose all that apply.
- Sheltering in cellars and tube stations
- Keeping up dancehalls and theatre
- Stopping all work for good
- Leaving London empty for years
Put it in order 🪜
An interactive activity.
Complete the sentences 🧩
The heavy _____ bombing of London began in 1940, hitting the docks of the _____ End hardest. _____ bombs started many fires. Londoners took shelter in cellars and _____ stations. The government worried about keeping up public _____.
Count the years 🔢
An interactive activity.
Spot the impact 🖍
An interactive activity.
Sort the fact 🧭
An interactive activity.
Explain the impact ✍
An interactive activity.