Adolf Hitler's attempt to invade Britain had already been frustrated by the Luftwaffe's failure to gain air superiority despite a month of trying.
By shifting from military targets to bombing British cities, Hitler gave the British an opportunity to rebuild their air strength.
Hitler realized that an amphibious (land-sea) invasion of Great Britain could succeed only if Germany gained control of the air over the island nation.
At the beginning of August 1940, the Luftwaffe (LOOFT•vah•fuh) — the German air force launched a major offensive. German planes bombed British air and naval bases, harbors, communication centers, and war industries.
The British fought back with determination. They were supported by an effective radar system that gave them early warning of attacks. Nevertheless, by the end of August, the British air force had suffered critical losses.
In September, in retaliation for a British attack on Berlin, Hitler had the Luftwaffe begin massive bombing of British cities. Hitler hoped to break British morale. Instead, because military targets were not being hit, the British were able to rebuild their air strength quickly.
Soon, the British air force was inflicting major losses on Luftwaffe bombers. At the end of September, Hitler postponed the invasion of Britain indefinitely.
To learn more, see the following documents:
Glencoe World History
Paths to War