The Battle of Britain took place during World War II and was Germany's attempt to dominate the skies over Great Britain. The Royal Air Force (RAF) was significantly outnumbered in one of the largest air battles in history and managed to emerge victorious against the German air force, the Luftwaffe. The unexpected defeat of the Germans was attributable to the underestimation of British strength, their inexperience in air warfare, and their tactical and technological responsibilities. The fall of France was the catalysis for the start of the Battle of Britain as Britain became predominantly isolated despite distant support from the Commonwealth nations. Germany saw this as an opportunity to gain air superiority and strengthen its influence and control throughout the world. The Battle of Britain was considered a small part of Germany's larger plan to overthrow Russia and the rest of the Soviet Union. The attitudes and emotions of both countries at that time were very contrasting as both were in very different positions regarding power and trust. While they were experiencing great success and progress during World War II, and having just claimed victory over France, Germany triumphed and confirmed itself in power with a victorious movement. The fighter pilots were extremely confident that they did not see Britain as a threat: "In 1940 the situation was still very positive for the Germans, we were sure of victory, morale was high... the British on the other hand were just getting started... ." Hitler was at the height of his rule and therefore underestimated the power of Great Britain. German Luftwaffe Commander-in-Chief Hermann Goring was optimistic and assured Hitler that the RAF could be destroyed in just four clear days, paving the way... middle of paper...r II Today, ( 2014). 18 June 1940 Churchill 'The Battle of Britain is about to begin...'. [online] Available at: http://ww2today.com/churchill-the-battle-of-britain-is-about-to-begin [Accessed 2 May. 2014].Hans Ekkehard Bob, fighter pilot, JG54, LuftwaffeBBC, (2013). Battle of Britain: The Real Story (full documentary) HD Speech by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the House of Commons, 20 August 1940 Dr Peter Caddick-Adams, Military Historian of the Defense Academy, Shrivenham RAF Fighter Pilots Propaganda Poster, 1940, with quote from Churchill, op.cit. See appendix 1.Churchill, op.citTom Neal, Fighter Pilot, RAFBbc.co.uk, (2014). BBC - History - The Battle of Britain Dennett, B. and Dixon, S. (2008). Main features of modern history. 1st ed. South Melbourne, Vic.: Oxford University Press. Page 467BBC, op.cit ibid Churchill, op.cit