January 1, This Day in History – May 15th

On May 15th, 1940, the Dutch city of Rotterdam was bombed by the German Luftwaffe, resulting in widespread destruction and the deaths of over 800 civilians. The bombing was a major turning point in World War II, and marked the beginning of the German occupation of the Netherlands.

The bombing of Rotterdam came just days after the German invasion of the Netherlands, and was part of a larger strategy to force the Dutch to surrender. Despite the fact that the city had little strategic value, German forces bombed it relentlessly for several hours, causing widespread damage and loss of life.

The destruction of Rotterdam was a shock to the world, and led to an outpouring of support for the Dutch people. The bombing also had significant political repercussions, as it led to the resignation of the Dutch prime minister and the formation of a new government that was more willing to negotiate with the Germans.

In the years that followed, Rotterdam was rebuilt from the ground up, and today it is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. The legacy of the bombing lives on, however, as a reminder of the devastation that can be wrought by war and the importance of working towards peace and understanding between nations.

The bombing of Rotterdam was a tragic event in the history of the Netherlands and of the world, but it also serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of people to rebuild and recover in the face of adversity.