8 Questions
What event marked the beginning of the Battle of Britain?
Operation Eagle
How did the RAF detect German aircraft approaching the British coast?
Their radar system
What was the primary reason for Germany's focus on destroying the RAF before Operation Sealion?
To prevent a successful land invasion
What were the three reorganized sections of the RAF before the Battle of Britain?
Fighter Command, Bomber Command, Coastal Command
How many rifles were ordered from the USA to aid Britain in its defense?
Over 500,000
What was the purpose of the Local Defence Volunteers during the Battle of Britain?
Established for defense, had over 1 million members
What did Churchill do in response to Hitler's offer of peace terms in July 1940?
Rejected the offer
What made the Hurricanes and Spitfires effective during the Battle of Britain?
Quick and more effective type of monoplane
Study Notes
Britain's Situation in 1940
- By the end of June 1940, Western Europe had been conquered by Hitler, leaving Britain to stand alone.
- To deal with the situation, factories worked multiple shifts to increase rearmament.
- Over 500,000 rifles were ordered from the USA.
Local Defence Volunteers
- The Local Defence Volunteers was established.
- It had 1 million members in over a year.
The Battle of Britain
- In July 1940, Churchill rejected Hitler's offer of peace terms.
- Germany prepared for the land invasion of Britain (Operation Sealion) for September.
- However, the RAF had to be destroyed first, as its control over the skies of the English Channel would prevent a successful invasion.
RAF Strengths
- The RAF was in a stronger position than other branches of the military, thanks to reforms started in 1935.
- It was reorganised into three sections: Fighter Command, Bomber Command, and Coastal Command.
- Their radar system allowed the RAF to detect German aircraft when they were over 30 miles from the British coast.
The RAF's Aircraft
- The Hurricanes and Spitfires proved themselves to be quick in the air and a more effective type of monoplane.
Operation Eagle
- On 12 August 1940, the Luftwaffe launched Operation Eagle, an attack on the RAF.
This quiz covers the events following the conquest of Western Europe by Hitler in 1940, including the establishment of the Local Defence Volunteers, ordering of rifles from the USA, and the Battle of Britain. Learn about Churchill's rejection of peace terms and how the RAF emerged victorious during this critical time.
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