The Blitz, a relentless period of German aerial bombing against the United Kingdom during World War II, effectively ended in June 1941. This significant shift occurred due to a strategic decision by Adolf Hitler.
The End of Sustained Bombing
The primary reason for the conclusion of the sustained, mass bombing raids known as the Blitz was the redeployment of German air forces. Hitler made the crucial decision to withdraw Luftwaffe squadrons from Western Europe.
Strategic Redeployment for Operation Barbarossa
This massive strategic shift was not a sign of German defeat in the air war against Britain, but rather a preparation for a new, immense offensive. The air forces were removed from their bombing duties over the UK to participate in the invasion of the Soviet Union, an operation code-named Barbarossa. With the majority of the Luftwaffe committed to the Eastern Front, the intensive, widespread night raids that characterized the Blitz could no longer be sustained against British cities.
Continued, Though Diminished, Threat
While June 1941 marked the end of the Blitz as a campaign of continuous, mass bombing, it is important to note that London's battle against the Luftwaffe was far from over. Sporadic raids, including nuisance raids and later the V-weapon attacks (V-1 flying bombs and V-2 rockets), continued to plague the capital and other areas throughout the remainder of the war. However, these later attacks lacked the relentless, nightly intensity and scale of the Blitz.