What caused the Luftwaffe to switch its target to London…

What caused the Luftwaffe to switch its target to London in 1940?

Short answer

A British attack on Berlin enraged Hitler, who ordered the Luftwaffe to turn against London. He ruled out a land invasion as unrealistic and chose terror as a weapon. On 7 September 1940, 300 bombers attacked London, the first of 57 consecutive nights.

Published: November 4, 2026 · Updated: November 4, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What caused the Luftwaffe to switch its target to London in 1940?

Battle of Britain- the Burning of the City Art IWMART

The attack on Berlin and Hitler's reaction

A British attack on Berlin so enraged Hitler that he ordered the Luftwaffe to turn against London in a fit of rage. Hitler also changed strategy: a land invasion was ruled out as unrealistic, and he chose pure terror as a weapon instead.

From military target to cities

The Germans then turned to the strategic bombing of cities, an offensive aimed at damaging British industry and military operations while also undermining civilian morale.

The first night of the Blitz

On 7 September 1940, 300 German bombers attacked London, the first of 57 consecutive nights of bombing. Sunday 15 September was a clear and decisive defeat for the Luftwaffe, which is why that date is known as Battle of Britain Day.