The Berlin Airlift, also known as the Berlin Blockade, was an international crisis that took place from 1948 to 1949 during the early years of the Cold War. It is considered one of the most significant events in post-World War II history, showcasing the intense political and ideological tensions between the East and the West.

Background

After World War II, Germany was divided into four occupied zones: The division was made into four sections: the American, the British, the French, as well as the Soviet one. Same as in other cities, the capital city was also divided into four zones, located in the Soviet zone. This division define the major difference in the belief system between the West allies and the Soviet Union hence increasing tension.

The Blockade

In June 1948, the Soviet Union, guided by Joseph Stalin, chose to deny all entry and exits to west Berlin through either road or waterways. It was to compel the western allied to abandon the city. It literally starved the West Berliners of all basic needs such as food, oil among other necessities that were supplied by the western Allies.

Nevertheless, what began as the Western Allies’ effort to supply West Berlin with necessities for the isolated population’s survival – the Western Allies led by the United of States of America wanted to ensure that they did not leave West Berlin. They regarded the blockade as an element of their overall crisis and power in Europe after the Second World War.

The Airlift

To this, the Western Allies had to resort to a gargantuan air lift to supply West Berlin with food and other necessities. This operation was known as the Berlin Airlift As a result,</(command) It entailed frequent airlift of cargoes through a large number of planes across the Soviet airspace to West Berlin.

The airlift was yet another impressive exercise of intricate nature in the sphere of operations. That is, aircraft arrived in Berlin at intervals of a few minutes, and the planes operated around the clock –bringing food, coal, clothes, and medicine. Challenging circumstances were in front of the pilots: there were some weather conditions and potential Soviet interceptors’ threat.

The Role of the Allies

The United States, the United Kingdom and France were the countries majorly involved in the conduct of the airlift operation. At this point, however, the United States organization led the sleuths and from the American gifts supplied the major- ity of the machines and stores. The British and the French also played a very important partner in the air lift campaign.

All the Allies exerted efforts to bring about successful completion of the airlift. They set up a sophisticated aerial postal, telecommunication, and supply points to nourish the operations. Nevertheless, cooperation between the Allies was of paramount importance in confronting the problem arising from the blockade.

The Impact

In fact, the Berlin Airlift played a pivotal role in shaping the Cold War history. It proved to the people of West Berlin that the Western Allies were serious about defending them from Soviet encroachment. The airlift also: exposed the difference between the captivity in the Soviet regime and liberty in the Western world.

Additionally the giving of the Berlin Airlift marked the further polarization of Germany into the two zones thus giving rise to the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. It also such a big change in the balance of power and now United States became the super power of the world.

Conclusion

Berlin Airlift was a good illustration of how people and nations are capable of withstanding hard times. But not only it supplied the necessity of life to the people of West Berlin it also delivered signs of hope and liberty in early years of the Cold War. The success of the airlift determined the future of Germany and the world at large in one way or the other.