In 1948 and 1949 during early Cold War years an important event unfolded when Soviet forces blocked supplies into Berlin. The Berlin Blockade marked the first real test of Soviet-Western relations after World War II. In this article we analyze the reasons behind the Berlin Blockade and Airlift operations along with their end results.
The Berlin Blockade Situation Developed After World War II
The United States and Soviet Union plus Great Britain and France became World War II’s Allied partners when they took control over four German occupation zones after the war’s close. Under Soviet control Berlin became a four-sector city along with the rest of Germany. After initial cooperation ended Soviet Union tensions increased due to its ideological battles with Western Allied countries.
The Emergence of Cold War
Economic forces and beliefs between Soviet Union and Western Allies deepened their distrust and created mistrust. After years of constant disagreements the United States and USSR began their fight known as the Cold War.
After World War II the Western Allies created the Deutsche Mark system
To solve the economic problems in the Soviet area West Allies brought in Deutsche Mark for their zones. The new monetary system was put in place to bring the economy back toward stability. The Deutsche Mark launch upset the Soviet Union because they feared losing control in Berlin.
The Berlin Blockade
In June 1948 the Soviet Union trapped West Berlin by blocking every ground transport path to the area. The Soviet Union placed a barrier around West Berlin to push the Western Allies into leaving their section so Moscow could govern the entire city. The Soviet Union made their power statement by putting Western Allies to a test during their decisive action.
The Airlift Begins
The Western Allies started the Berlin Airlift as they needed to transport food fuel and supplies to West Berlin. Planes from United States, France, Great Britain and their allies operated round-the-clock to provide essential materials to West Berlin people. The operation needed major planning to keep West Berlin residents fed during the blockade.
The Allied Determination
Western countries used the Berlin Airlift to show their commitment to battling the situation. Throughout the Soviet Union’s threats the United Nations member forces maintained their mission to supply West Berlin with necessities. The airlift display showed Western countries could transfer resources into West Berlin through their advanced flight technology.
The End of the Blockade
For eleven months the Soviet Union stood its ground before ending the blockade in May 1949. The Soviet Union failed to stop Western Allies as they showed tremendous strength during the Berlin Blockade and Airlift. After the blockade Soviet aggression the Western Allies organized NATO as a group defense force to protect against future attacks.
The Berlin Blockade and Airlift Created Permanent Onset Between Eastern and Western Europe
During the Berlin Blockade and Airlift period Europe developed permanent changes to its political map. The city split into East and West persisted and showed how Soviet Union and Western Allies fought each other for many years. The West’s successes during the airlift lifted their public support and showed everyone they stood for democracy against communist aggression.
Conclusion
After Soviet military attempts failed to negotiate control of Berlin the Western Allies showed their dedication and pushed back through historic air supplies to the city. The Blockade and Airlift shaped the Cold War cycle by showing how far East and West countries stood apart. Throughout the airlift operation West Allies demonstrated their dedication to democratic values and gave people of West Berlin hope.