‘Blitz’ Revisits a WWII Britain Under Fire — and at War With Itself
The new docuseries covers the second half of 1940 as the Nazis rain down on London — and the nation struggles with social and moral quandaries
In May 1940, as the Nazis crushed France and pushed into Belgium and the Netherlands, the British prime minister, Neville Chamberlain, resigned in disgrace. Winston Churchill, who had been a vocal critic of Chamberlain’s appeasement policy, took his place.
A new era
Churchill was a different kind of leader. He was a charismatic orator, a brilliant strategist, and a man of tremendous resolve. He immediately set about galvanizing the British people for the struggle ahead.
One of Churchill’s first acts was to order the formation of the Home Guard, a volunteer force of civilians who would help defend the country against invasion. He also began to mobilize the British economy for war.
The Blitz
The Blitz was the German bombing campaign against Britain that began on September 7, 1940. The Germans hoped to break the British spirit and force them to sue for peace. But the British people refused to be cowed. They endured the bombing with remarkable resilience.
The Blitz was a major turning point in the war. It showed the world that the British people were not going to give up. It also helped to forge a new sense of unity and determination among the British people.
Social and moral upheaval
The Blitz also had a profound impact on British society. The bombing caused widespread destruction and homelessness. It also led to a breakdown in social order.
In the midst of the chaos, many people began to question the values that had guided British society in the past. They wondered if the old ways of doing things were still relevant in a world that had been torn apart by war.
A lasting legacy
The Blitz was a defining moment in British history. It was a time of great suffering and sacrifice, but it was also a time of great courage and resilience. The British people emerged from the war with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to build a better future.
Additional information
For more information on the Blitz, please visit the following websites:
