Berlins situation was political turmoil after the World War II era. The course of history was shaped during 1948 and 1949 with the happening of the Berlin Airlift. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the important points that brought about the Berlin Airlift and discover exactly why it was so important.
What was the Berlin Airlift?
The Berlin Airlift was a massive humanitarian operation run by the US and the UK and their allies. The intent was to get food, fuel and other essentials to the people of West Berlin. The blockade of the city by the Soviet Union rendered this airlift necessary.
The Berlin Airlift – Causes
The tensions between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union, in fact, lay behind the Berlin Airlift. Here are the key causes that led to the occurrence of this significant event:
1. The Division of Germany
After World War II, Germany was divided into four zones, each under the control of a different allied power: the United States, the United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union. Within the city, Berlin got divided into four sections, making the city unique in and of itself, and also located in the Soviet zone.
2. The Ideological Conflicts
The Berlin Airlift was, in great part, a product of ideological differences between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies. A clash with the Soviet Union followed the introduction of the Deutsche Mark, West Germany’s currency, in June 1948 by the Western Allies. The Western influence in Berlin, extending from West Germany, was something the Soviets feared would lead to strong economic recovery for West Germany, thereby allowing that country to challenge Soviet control over East Germany.
3. Soviet Union Blockade
In reaction to the introduction of the Deutsche Mark, the Soviet Union put a blockade on West Berlin. They cut off all land and water routes to the Western zones of Germany, and thus shut out the city. This blockade was an attempt to press Western Allies, in particular, to forsake their desire to create a separate West German state.
The Berlin Airlift: Its Significance
In a far reaching way, the Berlin Airlift had consequences on a geopolitical landscape. Let’s explore its significance:
1. Humanitarian Achievement
This was a great humanitarian achievement. Aircraft flew into West Berlin day and night, delivering supplies in order to keep the city functioning. This operation demonstrates the commitment of Western Allies to assist the people of Berlin but under difficult circumstances.
2. Stabilizing West Berlin
The airlift stabilized West Berlin during a time of crisis. In accessing essential goods, the Western Allies prevented a humanitarian catastrophe and maintained order and stability of the city.
3. Symbol of Resistance
As a symbol of resistance to Soviet aggression, the Berlin Airlift. In particular it showed how the Western Allies were determined to withstand a Soviet blockade, and that they would defend democratic values and human rights.
Conclusion
An ideological conflict on the one hand and the Soviet Union’s blockade on the other were the motives which made the Berlin Airlift the proof of Western Allies’ resilience and determination. Not only did the allies offer the people of West Berlin few supplies but they also made a clear statement to the world. Yet as an event in history it is still very important because that is a time when cooperation, compassion and standing together for what is right is very important even at the most difficult times.