The Baedeker Blitz was a series of German aerial bombings targeting British cities known for their historical and cultural significance. This campaign began in April 1942, as an explicit reprisal for a British raid on the German city of Lübeck earlier that month, which had inflicted severe damage to many important buildings. The German strategy shifted from targeting military and industrial sites to attacking cities that could inflict psychological and symbolic damage to Britain. The cities of Exeter, Bath, and York were particularly vulnerable during this raid on April 23, 1942, as they held a wealth of cultural heritage and were not heavily fortified against aerial assaults.

The raids were characterized by their use of incendiary devices, designed to cause fires that could engulf large areas. In Exeter, significant damage was inflicted on the cathedral, an architectural treasure. Bath’s Roman Baths experienced destruction, and York's historic structures were also targets. The destruction fostered a sense of trepidation among British civilians, illustrating the war's expansion into everyday life and the vulnerability of even the most cherished landmarks. The psychological effect of such bombardments was a tool for the Germans, aiming to erode British morale and resolve.

The Baedeker Blitz is also notable because it marked a significant shift in the nature of warfare, where civilian sites became legitimate targets in the strategy of total war. During the attack on April 23, various defense mechanisms were employed by the British, but civilian casualties and damage to non-military objectives raised critical ethical questions about the conduct of the war. Despite this, the British resilience in the face of these attacks contributed to a stronger national resolve.