The Battle of Britain
History: KS3, topic 19.1.6
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain lasted from July 1940 to September 1940 AD. Britain was almost at the point of surrender but just about survived. Many children in the cities were sent to the country to be safe.
The Luftwaffe
- Britain was attacked by the Luftwaffe (the German air force).
- The Luftwaffe bombed London between September 1940 AD and May 1941 AD. This is a period called the ‘Blitz’ and is named after the German use of 'Blitzkrieg'.
The Blitz
- During the Blitz, people in London and other major cities had to hide in air raid shelters. London was bombed 57 nights in a row from September 1940 AD.
- These were often underground, in tube stations and tunnels.
- Around 32,000 people were killed during the Blitz.
- 60% of London’s houses were destroyed.
The Lend-Lease Agreement
- The Battle of Britain drained Britain’s economic supplies.
- Britain was forced to sign the ‘Lend-Lease Agreement’ with the United States of America.
- This agreement allowed Britain to buy weapons from the United States and delay payment until after the war.
Test yourself on The Battle of Britain
What are the the German air force called?
What agreement did Britain sign with the United States of America after the Battle of Britain?