Introduction to the Cold War and the Berlin Airlift

The Cold War refers to a state of political rivalry between the United States of America and Soviet Union immediately after the Second World War up to the early 1990s. Among those major events are the Berlin Airlift which occurred from June 1948 to May 1949.

After the Second World War Germany had been divided into four zones occupied by the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain and France. Germany’s capital, Berlin, was also split into four quadrants. But things turned sour when the Soviets stopped all access to west Berlin via road and rail while that part was controlled by the Allies. This action had the potential of demarcating the city and in extension its residents from essential products.

The Berlin crisis was a massive power cut by the western Allies to bring into West Berlin food, fuel and other necessity. This involved use of transport aircraft to fly in supplies and was approved to be a symbol of the westerners’ willingness to stand for the aggressive Soviet’s.

The Berlin Airlift Map In order to understand the map let us start with a brief look at some historical background to the situation that existed in Europe in the period after the second world war.

Contemporary with the Airlift Map, it was important to successfully plan and implement the Berlin Airlift. It gave the representation of the actual flight routes and air corridors and the landing avenues utilised in supply dropping to West Berlin.

It showed three air routes termed the “Three air corridors through the Soviet Zone.” These corridors were designed to enable airplanes to fly from West Germany into West Berlin without violating airspace overflown by Soviet aircraft. Every corridor had their access and egress which made it easier for the airlift flights to move in and out safely.

Also, on the map, several areas denoting landing zones in and around Berlin were identified. These were the main drop areas where aircrafts would drop their loads mostly supplies. Big airports which were in use involved Tempelhof flughafen, Tegel flughafen, und Gatow flughafen.

It also showed placing of_LOOK’ check points which were under the Soviets control and demarcation between the Allied and the Soviet sides. It was vital information used in and out to safely fly into and out of West Berlin.

Significance of the Berlin Airlift Map

The Berlin Airlift Map was therefore very important in the success of the airlift. This made it possible for the western allies to strategize their operations to fit their goals. Here are a few key reasons why the map was so important:

• Navigation: For air operations, the map was useful in providing pilots with direction on where to maneuver in the planned air routes together with pointing out the intended landing sites.
• Logistics: Through the map the military personnel would be in a position to plan effectively how supplies would be delivered to the people of West Berlin.
• Coordination: It proved to be a tool for ease of communication between ground crews, the airplanes and the air traffic control team. It also made certain that flight scheduling and management was conducted satisfactorily.
• Security: It was pointed out that the use of the map made it very easy to identify possible threats and take necessary security measures. It assisted in building up plans for operations in case one had to be evacuated due to some mishap or face Soviet forces.

Map of the Berlin Airlift’s historical background

The Berlin Airlift Map is an historical document that reflects the capacities of the western partners that coexisted in the Cold War. It means their willingness to foster support of the people of West Berlin and their wellbeing.

The Berlin Airlift, which triumph was mainly due to strategic planning and favorable coordination that relied on the map, was a turning point to the Cold War. It illustrated the West’s capacity to counter Soviet dominance and guard liberal policies.

Today this Berlin Airlift Map depicts how much effort one has to put forward to keep the freedom and fight against aggression. It was a vivid the message of unity and issue with collaboration – and they are the strongest values of team.

Conclusion

Introduction The Berlin Airlift Map was significant to a large extent as a tool for making the airlift operation viable during the Cold War. It was an important means of orientation, mobilization, cooperation or communication as well as for purposes of protection. The map is the testimony to the perseverance and desire of the Western Allies to help West Berlin at that necessary stage.

On reflecting the importance of the Berlin Airlift Map will enable the people to realize the measures taken in the preservation of liberty and democracy. It is attributed to illustrating the meaning of the collective effort and tat people are ready to perform the utmost for fellow members during the challenging times.