The Blitz
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In order to try and maintain morale, a “blitz” spirit was created, with songs, posters and propaganda campaigns to bind people together. There was indeed a community spirit in many areas, and people did work as a group to support themselves. However, some critics have called the Blitz Spirit a myth. James Richards, in a BBC article, is unequivocal that there was actually a sort of class war which developed, and highlights the anger in some areas towards both the government and wealthier people in better shelters.
Crime, especially looting, was also present.
In 1944 Germany launched a new phase, by using flying bombs known as the V-1. These looked like small aircraft but had no pilot, and were aimed from France at Britain. Nicknamed Doodle Bugs or Buzz Bombs, they made a clear noise when flying, which stopped when the engine did; there would be a silent pause, and then it would explode on the ground. On September 8th 1944 Germany launched a new chapter in warfare with the V-2, rockets which were almost impossible to shoot down or warn against.
In March and April 1945 the Allies, both western and eastern, had penetrated into Germany, and the bombing came to an end; the war finished shortly after.
The Idea of the Blitz Spirit became well established, and the idea of a nation pulling together has lasted. Despite German efforts, Britain was not forced into surrender, or its wartime production facilities fatally impaired.
In order to try and maintain morale, a “blitz” spirit was created, with songs, posters and propaganda campaigns to bind people together. There was indeed a community spirit in many areas, and people did work as a group to support themselves. However, some critics have called the Blitz Spirit a myth. James Richards, in a BBC article, is unequivocal that there was actually a sort of class war which developed, and highlights the anger in some areas towards both the government and wealthier people in better shelters.
Crime, especially looting, was also present.
A Change of Emphasis – The End of the Blitz
Towards the middle of 1941, the German emphasis had switched away from Britain and onto the war with the Soviet Union, a much larger conflict which would ultimately decide the outcome of the war. Many resources were directed east, and the bombing reduced in intensity. When Germany did bomb, they began to focus even more on damaging cultural and civilian centres, partly in revenge for Allied bombings.In 1944 Germany launched a new phase, by using flying bombs known as the V-1. These looked like small aircraft but had no pilot, and were aimed from France at Britain. Nicknamed Doodle Bugs or Buzz Bombs, they made a clear noise when flying, which stopped when the engine did; there would be a silent pause, and then it would explode on the ground. On September 8th 1944 Germany launched a new chapter in warfare with the V-2, rockets which were almost impossible to shoot down or warn against.
In March and April 1945 the Allies, both western and eastern, had penetrated into Germany, and the bombing came to an end; the war finished shortly after.
The Idea of the Blitz Spirit became well established, and the idea of a nation pulling together has lasted. Despite German efforts, Britain was not forced into surrender, or its wartime production facilities fatally impaired.
