World War Two: the Blitz

How British people coped during the German bombing campaign on British cities

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Between which years was the Second World War fought? A) 1939 to 1945 B) 1914 to 1918 C) 1850 to 1900 D) 1666 to 1700
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2
What was 'the Blitz'? A) A long campaign of German bombing raids on British cities B) A British football tournament C) A type of British biscuit D) A peace agreement between Britain and Germany
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3
True or false? Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister for most of the Second World War. A) True B) False
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4
What was the Blitz? A) A long German bombing campaign against British cities B) A type of car C) A football tournament D) A modern computer game
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5
Fill in the blank. Many families built small shelters in their gardens called ___ shelters.
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6
What did people do when an air raid siren sounded? A) Went quickly to a shelter B) Ran outside to watch the planes C) Went back to bed D) Lit candles in the windows
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7
What was a 'blackout' during the Blitz? A) Covering windows so no light could be seen from the air B) A power cut that turned off all lights C) A type of warm jacket D) A short rest during the night
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8
Which battle in the summer of 1940 saw the Royal Air Force defend Britain from German attack? A) The Battle of Britain B) The Battle of Waterloo C) The Battle of Hastings D) The Battle of the Somme
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9
What does the British saying 'Blitz spirit' mean? A) People helping each other and staying brave in hard times B) Wanting to start more wars C) Refusing to obey any rules D) Being scared and giving up
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10
Why is it important to remember that the Blitz caused real suffering, not just brave stories? A) Many civilians, including children, were killed or made homeless B) Because the Blitz was actually quite funny C) Because no one was hurt at all D) Because the Blitz only damaged empty fields
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Answer key

World War Two: the Blitz · for parents and teachers

1
1939 to 1945
The Second World War began on 1 September 1939 and ended on 2 September 1945. War in Europe ended on 8 May 1945 (VE Day).
2
A long campaign of German bombing raids on British cities
The Blitz was a sustained bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against British cities, especially London, from September 1940 to May 1941.
3
True
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister on 10 May 1940 and led Britain for most of the war. His speeches helped keep up public spirits.
4
A long German bombing campaign against British cities
The Blitz was a bombing campaign by the German air force against British cities in 1940-41.
5
Anderson
Anderson shelters were small, curved metal shelters dug into back gardens and covered with soil. Around 2.5 million were built.
6
Went quickly to a shelter
When the siren sounded, people went to the nearest shelter, such as an Anderson shelter, a Morrison shelter or an Underground station.
7
Covering windows so no light could be seen from the air
During the blackout, people had to cover windows with thick curtains and turn off street lights so German bombers could not see cities from above.
8
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was fought in the air from July to October 1940. RAF pilots stopped a planned German invasion of Britain.
9
People helping each other and staying brave in hard times
'Blitz spirit' describes how British people supported each other and kept going during the bombing, even when life was very hard.
10
Many civilians, including children, were killed or made homeless
The Blitz killed about 43,000 civilians in Britain and destroyed many homes. We remember both the bravery and the real cost of the bombing.