During decades from 1948 to 1992 the Cold War created deep political rivalry through many years between United States and Soviet Union plus their partners along their unequal world visions. Between June 1948 and May 1949 the Soviet Union attempted to isolate Western Allies from Berlin in the Berlin Blockade.

What Was the Berlin Blockade?

The Soviet Union attempted to block all road access from West Allies to Berlin through this action. After World War II ended Germany had four zones of occupation under US, USSR, British, and French control. Berlin split into four sections because it sat within the Soviet occupation area.

To block Western access to Berlin the Soviet Union carried out its blockade in response to the introduction of the Deutsche Mark in the Western sectors. Soviet Union reacted by cutting off all ground transportation to Berlin because Western powers entering the city posed a threat to its control in that region.

The Effects of the Blockade

The Berlin Blockade had significant consequences for both the city and the wider geopolitical landscape:

• Supply Shortages: West Berlin faced extreme hardship because the blockade completely blocked highway trains and canal routes into the city. Basic life essentials including food water and fuel ran low in the city.
• Airlift Operation: To restore supplies the Western Allies began an important air delivery campaign. During the blockade period cargo planes flew 278,000 flights to bring necessary goods into the cut-off city.
• Symbol of Resistance: Through the Berlin Airlift West Berliners proved their determination to resist Soviet oppression. By revealing their opposing political systems NATO’s formation became possible.
• Creation of NATO: When the Berlin Blockade failed the United States and its allies created NATO to defend against Soviet influence.

The Soviets Ended Their Blockade in May 1949

In May of 1949 the Soviet Union ended the blockade. Though the blockade did not convince Western Allies to leave Berlin it increased tensions between East and West and escalated the Cold War.

Key Takeaways:

The Soviet Union placed Berlin Blockade over West Berlin to shut off its connection with West Allied nations.

• The Soviet Union imposed this blockade because West Berlin-users implemented their own currency system.
• Many goods ran out completely throughout West Berlin during this period.
• The Western Allies answered the blockade by launching an air transport service to resupply Berlin.
• The blockade helped establish NATO and increased Cold War tensions between East and West nations.
• In May 1949 the Soviet Union ended its blockade.

During Cold War times the Berlin Blockade displayed how strongly Western Allies defended their democratic values against Soviet aggression.