If you are reading this then we welcome you to our blog post on the Berlin Blockade, a historic Cold War era event which had profound effects on world history. In this article we will define its definition, causes, consequences and key players involved on this historical event. At the end, you will know better how the war cold influenced dynamics of the Cold War.
What was the Berlin Blockade?
The Berlin Blockade was the Soviet Union’s successful attempt to prevent the rest of the world from entering West Berlin from June 24, 1948 until May 12, 1949. The move was directed at the West’s turn to mint a new German currency in their zones of occupation, a step that would undercut Berlin’s Soviet control.
Causes of the Berlin Blockade
After World War II, growing antipathy between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies created the main cause of the Berlin Blockade. The result was four occupation zones — those of the United States, Soviet Union, Britain and France — that competed in spheres of influence.
The introduction of the Deutsche Mark on the new currency in Western zones made the situation worse. The West feared that a unified Western Germany would prove far too strong an anti Soviet force. They also blockaded all land and water routes to West Berlin in order to try and regain control, cutting off what little food, fuel and other resources where still available.
Berlin Blockade Consequences
The Berlin Blockade had major ramifications for both sides concerned. Ultimately, the Western Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, a stunning supply of almost everything the people of West Berlin needed by the only means possible—by air. It made more than 275,000 flights and delivered more than 2.3 million tons of supplies during the blockade. The determination of the Allies was thus shown in this successful operation, their resolve to protect their own interests.
Similarly, the Berlin Blockade entrenched the rift between East and West Germany. The Western Allies in their occupation zones respectively set up two separate German states in response to the blockade, establishing the Federal Republic of Germany. The division had large lasting consequences contributing to the bad atmosphere which characterized the Cold War.
The Berlin Blockade
1. Soviet Union (USSR)
The blockade was begun and continued by Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union in an attempt to impose control over West Berlin. The introduction of the Deutsche Mark was a threat to Soviet influence in the region, Stalin realized this.
2. United States (USA)
Led by the Berlin Airlift, spearheaded by the Berlin Blockade of the United States under President Harry S. Truman, the United States also took a role in the history of Germany. The airlift was logistical feat that was supposed to supply West Berlin and defy the Soviet blockade.
3. France and United Kingdom (UK)
The Berlin Blockade was also a largely muscular involvement for the United Kingdom and France. During the Berlin Airlift, they supplied crucial support, with aircraft, personnel and supplies that were necessary for success.
Conclusion
Defining moment in the early Cold War was with the Berlin Blockade. It underlined the geopolitical tensions between the Soviet Union and Western Allies and resulted in the division of Germany into East and West. The Berlin Airlift was the successful demonstration of the Allies’ will to protect their interests and to guarantee the freedom of West Berlin.
With this article, we certainly hope it’s clarified for you what the Berlin Blockade was all about and how it shaped Cold War history. Stay tuned for more informative content!