Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 - 5 The war in the air,…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 35.2: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 - 5 The war in the air, 1914–18: The impact on public opinion, propaganda and defence systems of Zeppelin and Gotha bombing of undefended British towns.
Zeppelin and Gotha bombing of undefended British towns had significant effects on public opinion, propaganda, and defence systems.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Zeppelin and Gotha bombing of undefended British towns had significant effects on public opinion, propaganda, and defence systems. Public opinion was initially shocked and fearful, leading to demands for better protection. Propaganda exploited the attacks to portray Germany as barbaric and to boost recruitment and morale. Defence systems evolved from inadequate anti-aircraft guns and searchlights to coordinated fighter defences and early warning systems.
For example: The Gotha raid on London in June 1917 killed 162 people and caused panic, prompting the creation of the London Air Defence Area.
What earns the marks
- Explains how Zeppelin and Gotha raids affected public opinion, causing fear, anger, and demands for improved defences, while also fostering resilience.
- Analyses how propaganda used the raids to vilify Germany and mobilise support, through posters, newspapers and recruitment campaigns.
- Assesses the development of defence systems, including anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, barrage balloons, and fighter aircraft, and their effectiveness in reducing raids.
- Uses specific examples, such as the Gotha raid on 13 June 1917, to illustrate the impact on public opinion and the subsequent reorganisation of air defence.
- Evaluates the relative importance of these impacts, considering factors like the scale of raids, government responses, and the changing nature of air warfare.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming all British towns were equally affected.
Put it right: Recognise that raids concentrated on London and the south-east, though other towns were also targeted.
Overstating the effectiveness of defence systems early in the war.
Put it right: Acknowledge that defences were initially inadequate and only improved after significant raids.
Treating propaganda as solely government-controlled.
Put it right: Consider the role of newspapers and public opinion in shaping propaganda messages.
Exam tips
- Use specific examples of raids, such as the first Zeppelin raid on Great Yarmouth in January 1915, to support your points.
- When discussing defence systems, explain how they evolved in response to raids, such as the creation of the London Air Defence Area in 1917.
- Link public opinion and propaganda, showing how fear and anger were channelled into support for the war effort.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 35.2: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 - 5 The war in the air, 1914–18: The impact on public opinion, propaganda and defence systems of Zeppelin and Gotha bombing of undefended British towns. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which German airships carried out bombing raids on undefended British towns during the First World War?
Listen
Zeppelin and Gotha bombing of undefended British towns had significant effects on public opinion, propaganda, and defence systems. Public opinion was initially shocked and fearful, leading to demands for better protection. Propaganda exploited the attacks to portray Germany as barbaric and to boost recruitment and morale. Defence systems evolved from inadequate anti-aircraft guns and searchlights to coordinated fighter defences and early warning systems. For example, the Gotha raid on London in June 1917 killed 162 people and caused panic, prompting the creation of the London Air Defence Area. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how Zeppelin and Gotha raids affected public opinion, causing fear, anger, and demands for improved defences, while also fostering resilience. Analyses how propaganda used the raids to vilify Germany and mobilise support, through posters, newspapers and recruitment campaigns. Assesses the development of defence systems, including anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, barrage balloons, and fighter aircraft, and their effectiveness in reducing raids. Uses specific examples, such as the Gotha raid on 13 June 1917, to illustrate the impact on public opinion and the subsequent reorganisation of air defence. A common slip: Assuming all British towns were equally affected. Instead, Recognise that raids concentrated on London and the south-east, though other towns were also targeted. Exam tip: Use specific examples of raids, such as the first Zeppelin raid on Great Yarmouth in January 1915, to support your points.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Impact on public opinion and morale
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Use of propaganda
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Development of air defence systems
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Government response to air raids
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Impact on public opinion and morale
- Bombing of undefended British towns was initially met with shock and fear, leading to demands for better protection, while also fostering resilience.
- Use of propaganda
- The attacks were exploited to portray Germany as barbaric and to boost recruitment and morale, through posters, newspapers and recruitment campaigns.
- Development of air defence systems
- Defences evolved from inadequate anti-aircraft guns and searchlights to coordinated fighter defences and early warning systems, including barrage balloons and fighter aircraft.
- Government response to air raids
- Raids prompted reorganisation of air defence, such as the creation of the London Air Defence Area after the Gotha raid on 13 June 1917.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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