Bombing and evacuation
I can explain why evacuation was a huge turning point for many children during the Second World War.
Bombing and evacuation
I can explain why evacuation was a huge turning point for many children during the Second World War.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Second World War saw mass bombing campaigns against British civilians for the first time.
- Nazi Germany targeted British cities in 1940-1941, hoping to destroy British industry and morale.
- The government had prepared for this by evacuating many children away from the cities the moment the war started.
- For many city children, this was the first time they had been to the countryside, seen farm animals or eaten vegetables.
- For many children, away from home for so long, returning to their old lives and families in the city was very difficult.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that children were only evacuated to areas in Britain during the Second World War.
Children were sent to other countries like Australia and South Africa in 1940.
Keywords
Civilian - a civilian is someone who is not part of the armed forces
Bombing - dropping explosives out of an aeroplane onto the ground below is called bombing
Evacuee - a person who has been moved to another place for safety is an evacuee
Morale - the confidence and cheerfulness of a group of people is called morale
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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