Introduction
Of fact, the Berlin Blockade Airlift was one of the major incidences that occurred in the Cold War period. Their achievements during the Second World War were outstanding, and especially the Dayton Operation as an example of allied powers’ endurance and appease when being subjected to Soviet blockade. Berlin Blockade Airlift The focus of our guide will be dedicated to such aspects as the main events, importance, and results of the Berlin Blockade Airlift.
What was the Berlin Blockade?
In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Allied powers: which include the United States, the Soviet Union, great Britain and France. Just like in West Germany Berlin was also divided into similar sectors although it was in Soviet zone. But the cold war relations escalated again and the Soviet Union imposed the Berlin Blockade.
The Soviet Blockade
In the same year, 1948, the Soviet Union being unhappy with the Allied plans of a new currency in their sectors move to blockade all road, rail and canal means of access to West Berlin, cutting off the latter’s supplies of food, coal, and medicine. This was done hoping either the western allies would leave West Berlin or alternatively relinquish control of it to the Soviets.
The Berlin Airlift
Still, in front of this humanitarian catastrophe, western allies’ actions resulted in an unprecedented called the Berlin Airlift. It entailed dropping of supplies to the people of West Berlin while avoiding the blockade set by Soviets. The Berlin airlift was from June 1948 to May of 1949.
The Operation
Tempelhof Airport was the main operational center of the airlift . The allied planes, the United States and Great Britain in particular contributed many number of planes and flew more than 200,000 flights and dropped nearly 2.3 million tone of supplies and equipments including food and fuel.
Air Corridors
In order to commence the delivery of those supplies, air bridges were immediately opened to help guide the Allied planes safely through the territory belonging to Soviet Union. These thoroughfares were called “air corridors,” and the supply of necesario was an important factor in the stable shipments to West Berlin.
Significance and Outcome
The Berlin Crisis had a great impact on Cold War and international politics. It demonstrated the will power of the Western Allies and the cause which they were fighting for, people of West Berlin. It also explored the emerging bipolar system, the cold-war, superpowers start vying for power in Europe and a shift of power from west to east.
The End of the Blockade
This event, known as Berlin Airlift, was also useful to break Soviet blockade. Understanding that the blockade is unhelpful they lifted the blockade on May 12 1949. But conflict between East and West Germany remained for many years.
Conclusion
The Berlin Blockade Airlift was a very interesting subject, which described the times of great struggle and decision of the Western Allies. This remains a historic event in the Eastern Europe Cold War and such moves ensured West Berlin continued to stand with its allies firmly. From the factors, evaluations and outcomes it can be accurately noted that Berlin Airlift is an excellent example of people unity and strength in crisis.