<P> There is much speculation on the possible results of a German victory at the Battle of Britain including how the war might have progressed if the Germans had achieved their objective of suppressing the British air defences . The Battle of Britain (German: Luftschlacht um England or Luftschlacht um Großbritannien, literally "Air battle for England" or "Air battle for Great Britain") is the name given to the Second World War air campaign waged by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) against the United Kingdom during the summer and autumn of 1940 . The objective of the campaign was to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force (RAF), especially Fighter Command . </P> <P> The Battle of Britain was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces, and was also the largest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign to that date . From July 1940, coastal shipping convoys and shipping centres, such as Portsmouth, were the main targets; one month later the Luftwaffe shifted its attacks to RAF airfields and infrastructure . As the battle progressed the Luftwaffe also targeted aircraft factories and ground infrastructure . Eventually the Luftwaffe resorted to attacking areas of political significance and using terror bombing strategy . </P> <P> The failure of Germany to achieve its objectives of destroying Britain's air defences, or forcing Britain to negotiate an armistice or an outright surrender, is considered its first major defeat and a crucial turning point in the Second World War . By preventing Germany from gaining air superiority, the battle ended the threat that Hitler would launch Operation Sea Lion, a proposed amphibious and airborne invasion of Britain . </P> <P> On 16 July Hitler ordered the preparation of a plan to invade Britain; he also hoped that news of the preparations would frighten Britain into peace negotiations . "Directive No. 16; On the Preparation of a Landing Operation against England" read, in part, as follows: </P>

What would have happened if britain had lost the battle of britain