One of the least known facts about World War I is the German Zeppelin raid on London in 1915, which marked the first time civilians in the city were deliberately targeted in warfare.
On May 31, 1915, a German airship, LZ 38, dropped bombs over London, killing seven people and injuring 35. This raid brought the war directly to civilians, instilling fear and marking the dawn of strategic bombing.
Why This Matters\nThis raid changed the nature of war by introducing the concept of targeting civilian populations to break morale.
It also led to the rapid development of air defenses, including anti-aircraft guns and fighter planes, as nations realized the potential of aerial warfare. Despite its significance, this event is often overshadowed by the larger battles of the war.