During the Cold War years the Berlin Blockade stood out as a major event. To understand the Berlin Blockade’s historic impact experts need to study why it began and who took part along with its results. Our exploration in this article focuses on the Berlin Blockade details.
We will explain the complete story of the Berlin Blockade.
What was the Berlin Blockade?
In June 1948 the Soviet Union set up a blockade not to let people pass through their East Germany controls to reach West Berlin which operated as an independent democratic area. On June 24, 1948 Soviet forces launched their blockade of West Berlin which continued through May 12, 1949.
Causes of the Berlin Blockade
The Division of Germany
When World War II ended the Soviet Union and its allies became administrators of Germany’s four occupation zones including the United States and France plus the UK. Deep within the Soviet controlled territory Berlin split into four sections. Ideological disputes made relations between Soviet Russia and Allied powers become increasingly strained.
The Currency Reform
After stabilizing their economies the West introduced the Deutsche Mark currency throughout their occupation zones including West Berlin. The change to a new currency system challenged Soviet domination of Berlin’s entire territory. The Soviet Union blocked every entrance route to West Berlin.
The Berlin Airlift
To defy the Soviet blockade the Western Allies launched the Berlin Airlift program. Through this major support operation Western Allies delivered basic necessities such as food and fuel to people of West Berlin. Planes flew nonstop to bring supplies to Tempelhof Airport and other air bases multiple times per minute.
Key Players
Joseph Stalin
As the top Soviet leader Joseph Stalin confirmed the Berlin Blockade and established important Soviet Berlin West policies. According to many the main goal was to force out the Western Allies from Berlin.
Harry S. Truman
As United States President during the Berlin Blockade Harry S. Truman rejected Soviet policy decisions. Truman started the Berlin Airlift as evidence that America protects both its own needs and those of its partners.
Consequences and Resolution
The Berlin Blockade generated important results. The standoff turned the East-West division permanent and officially created the Federal Republic of Germany and German Democratic Republic.
Many people got land access back to West Berlin because of how well the airlift worked. On May 12 1949 West Allies and Soviets finished their negotiations to end the Blockade. The complete prohibition by the Soviet Union to travel from East to West Berlin ended.
Conclusion
During the Cold War era the Berlin Blockade proved its important historical significance. Through the Berlin Blockade both the Western Allies and Soviet Union proved their conflict directions. West Berlin citizens saw the amazing dedication and toughness of those who delivered essential supplies during the Berlin Airlift to protect freedom.
By studying how and why the Berlin Blockade occurred you can discover important details about this defining moment in history.