The Blackout
The Blackout occurred in Great Britain in preparation for The Air Ministry had forecast that Great Britain would experience night bombing that would result in mass destruction and a large amount of civilian casualties. It was agreed that if any sources of light on the ground were extinguished, it would make it difficult for the enemy aircraft to navigate and find their targets. Everyone had to cover their windows with thick blackout curtains and street lights were either turned off or dimmed and the headlights on vehicles had slotted covers to deflect the light downward. Even businesses with glass roofs had to be painted black. During the Blackout, there was an increase in traffic accidents and there were many injuries caused by things like falling down a set of stairs and bumping into things. There was also an increase in trivial crimes such as pick-pocketing.http://www.homesweethomefront.co.uk/web_pages/hshf_blackout_pg.htm
The Blitz
The Blitz is the German bombing campaign of London and other cities in Great Britain in an attempt to force into them into submission after losing the Battle of Britain. It started on September 7, 1940 and lasted until May, 1941. Some places, like London, were bombed nearly every night and it was one of the main reasons people were evacuated.