London in the Blitz
Why did German bombers target London, and how did the city get ready? Learn the wartime role of the capital, why it was a target, and the preparations made in 1939.
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The capital under fire 🌃
When war came in 1939, London was the most important city in Britain, and that made it a target for German bombers. This module looks at why London mattered so much in wartime, why it was attacked, and how it prepared for bombing.
Words to know 🔑
Four terms run through this topic. Learn them first.
Target and preparation 🎯
London was a target for good reasons, and the city prepared in several ways.
Context explains the attack 💡
In the Historic Environment paper you gain marks by LINKING the context to what happened. London was attacked BECAUSE it was the seat of government and a great port and industry. Understanding this context also helps you judge how useful a source about the Blitz is.
Match the term 🔗
- The Blitz
- Anderson shelter
- Evacuation
- Gas mask
- The sustained German bombing from 1940
- A small shelter dug into a garden
- Moving children to safer areas
- Worn to guard against a feared gas attack
Why target London? 🎯
Why was London a major target for German bombers?
- It was the centre of government and a major port and industry
- It was a small, unimportant town
- It was too far away for any bomber to reach
- It had no industry or docks at all
Match the preparation 🛡
- Evacuation
- Anderson shelters
- Gas masks
- The blackout
- Moved children away from the bombing
- Protected a household from nearby blasts
- Guarded against a feared gas attack
- Hid the city from bombers at night
What made it a target? ✅
Which TWO of these made London a target for bombing? Choose all that apply.
- It was the centre of national government
- It had major docks and industry
- It was far beyond the range of bombers
- It had no wartime importance
Put it in order 🪜
An interactive activity.
Complete the sentences 🧩
London was a target because it was the centre of national _____ and a major _____ and industrial centre. To prepare, children were sent away in the _____, families used _____ shelters, and everyone was issued a gas _____.
Count the years 🔢
An interactive activity.
Spot the preparations 🖍
An interactive activity.
Target or preparation? 🧭
An interactive activity.
Explain the context ✍
An interactive activity.