We introduce our blog article with a basic definition of the Berlin Airlift as one of the most important developments in Cold War history. Our content aims to create a complete understanding for both history enthusiasts and newcomers learning about this period.
What was the Cold War?
The Cold War created global political tensions that governed world affairs following WWII. During the late 1940s to early 1990s the Soviet Union’s Warsaw Pact allies fought the US and its NATO allies in a major standoff known as the Cold War. Despite being at odds the superpowers took political, economic and military steps without fighting direct battles.
The Berlin Airlift
During June 1948 to September 1949 humanitarian and military forces elevated supplies by air to West Berlin. The operation sent daily helicopter deliveries to supply West Berlin which Soviet forces completely blocked from East German land access. The Soviet Union completely isolated the western Berlin areas by blocking every ground and sea pathway.
The Background
After World War II, Germany was divided into four zones: Berlin owned sections governed by US, UK, France and Soviet Union. The capital city Berlin saw its divisions among four separate control sectors at the same time as Germany. Wartime partners started developing conflicts with each other. In 1948 the western zones of Germany started using new money for their territories but this spooked the Soviet Union who worried about Berlin becoming capitalist. To make the Allies surrender West Berlin the Soviets set up a total blockade.
The Response: Operation Vittles
The United States led Allies organized and established the Berlin Airlift response. Teams from the United States and United Kingdom referred to their joint operation as “Operation Vittles” and “Operation Plainfare” respectively. The main goal of Operation Vittles was to move food coal medicine and other basic items by air to Berliners.
Logistics and Success
In response to Berlin Blockade the allies set up three safe flying routes between West Germany and West Berlin to keep supplies flowing. US military leaders used over 200 cargo planes mostly C-47 Dakotas and C-54 Skymasters. The jetliners transported important supplies through 200,000 flights to Berlin.
Tempelhof and Gatow airports provided strong supply distribution points for West Berlin. The operation struggled through demanding weather difficulties and limited facilities because it needed staff to operate 24 hours each day. Talented team members successfully completed the Berlin Airlift task.
The End of the Berlin Airlift
During the Berlin Airlift supplies traveled directly to West Berlin every few minutes over a span of almost one year. Even though distrust persisted the Soviet Union ended the blockade on May 12 1949. To prevent further supply disruptions Allied forces extended the airlift operation multiple months into the future.
Legacy
The Berlin Airlift showed how strongly the Allies wanted to protect West Berlin residents from Soviet danger. This event showcased the major differences between Western free market democracy and Soviet communism in the Cold War’s first years.
The Berlin Airlift made West Berlin stand strong against eastern Soviet pressure. The ongoing conflict during the Cold War learned new followers who backed military efforts through this win.
Conclusion
The Allied forces stood strong throughout the Berlin Airlift to supply West Berlin against Soviet attempts to block supplies. Air supply operations to Berlin ran day and night until the Soviets ended their blockade to show how democracy protected its people against hard times.
Our goal is to help you better understand this important Cold War development through this direct description of the Berlin Airlift. You can find extensive studies in books, documentaries and archived materials which investigate the topic in greater detail.