What were the effects of the Belfast Blitz?

Learning Intentions:

Describe the weaknesses of Northern Ireland’s defences

Explain why Belfast was so badly defeated

Analyse the key effects of the Belfast Blitz On 7th September 1940 London was attacked. It was the beginning of 2 months of nightly bombing raids. This extended to Liverpool, Coventry and Glasgow. By March 1941 over 28,000 people had been killed.

Why did Germany carry out this bombing campaign?

2 main reasons: 1) To disrupt war effort 2) To break the morale of the civilian population (withdraw from war) In 1941 Belfast was targeted by over 150 Luftwaffe bombers. Why?

• Germany was aware of the key role that a number of the city’s industries were playing in the war effort.

• Northern Ireland was playing an important strategic role in the war effort

Northern Ireland’s industrial contribution Northern Ireland’s strategic importance Use your knowledge to complete the table The weaknesses of Belfast’s Defences

• In the middle of your page write ‘The Belfast Blitz’.

Weaknesses Reasons why • Now read the handout pdf. of Belfast’s Belfast was Defences so weakly defended. • Create two different arms for your spider diagram The • Weaknesses of Belfast’s defences Belfast • Reasons why Belfast was so weakly Blitz defended.

• Use the handout to complete your spider diagram. The weaknesses of Belfast’s Defences

In 1941 Belfast was targeted by Reasons why Weaknesses 150 Luftwaffe bombers. They Belfast was of Belfast’s visited Belfast four times; so weakly Defences defended. 7-8 April, 15-16 April, 4-5 May and The 5-6 May. Belfast Blitz Task: Now read page 10 of your class notes. • On your spider diagram add the effects of the Belfast Blitz. Effects of the Belfast Blitz Additional information from CCEA mark schemes

• Read the handout from CCEA which covers the old exam spec. There are some additional bits of information about the Belfast Blitz.

• Add these to you spider diagram.