Why is the Battle of Britain considered so important by people?
The Battle of Britain is seen as a turning point in the Second World War. By June 1940 Germany had successfully swept across Europe and occupied several countries. The next step in Hitler's campaign involved neutralising Great Britain either through a negotiated peace or an invasion, once the UK's air defences had been destroyed.
By September 1940, however, Great Britain's air defences remained intact and Germany's invasion plan - Operation Sealion - was postponed indefinitely. The Battle of Britain was Germany's first defeat of the Second World War. This outcome held important implications for the course of the war with the liberation of Western Europe ultimately possible because Great Britain remained unconquered. The determination and resistance shown during the Battle offered hope and set an example of defiance which fuelled morale in the difficult years ahead.
