The Battle of Britain

1. The Battle of Britain

2. British Politics • On May 10th, 1940 Winston Churchill became the new Prime Minister of Britain, replacing Neville Chamberlain. • Churchill was able to inspire his fellow country-men, and others against the tyranny of Nazi occupation in Europe. • Churchill promised victory through “blood, toil, tears and sweat.”

3. Hitler’s plan… • Make Britain sue for peace or surrender • Destroy the RAF, factories, and morale • Allow for a land invasion

4. HOW… • By employing massive air attacks against British cities, airfields, and industrial areas.

5. His plan… • Hitler did not think that the RAF or people of Britain would be able to withstand his assaults. • Throughout the summer of 1940 the RAF fiercely fought the Luftwaffe in the air above Britain. This is called the Battle of Britain.

6. How Britain fought back… • The British developed the RADAR system. This allowed them to determine the distance, direction, and speed of objects that were unseen. • They were able to ready their fighter planes in time to fight off the German attackers. • The British pilots showed their superiority against a more numerous enemy.

7. Counter Attack… • Churchill ordered air raids on Berlin and Hitler was outraged. He decided to go for an all out bombing campaign against Britain. And sent in planes in the day. • The Luftwaffe efforts were focused on bombing London- this allowed the RAF to regroup.

8. The result… • By summer’s end, Hitler’s objectives had failed. • 43 000 people died because of the air attacks.

9. Churchill praised the pilots when he said… • “Never… was so much owed by so many to so few.”