It is quite informative to analyse one of the most significant episodes of the Cold War, which was known as the Berlin Airlift or Operation Vittles. This was a huge exercise embarked on by the Allies, as a way of ensuring that West Berlin received critical supplies after it had been cutoff by the Soviet Union. In this blog post, the analysis will concern the background and explanation for the Berlin Airlift, major events during the operation, and its consequences.

Background

Following World War II, Germany was divided into four zones controlled by the Allied powers: the four leading and most important powers; namely the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and France. Similar to the capital, the city of Berlin was also partitioned into the four sectors. Soviet-American confrontations reached a new stage in June 1948 when Soviet authorities shut off all road, railway, and canal routes between West Germany and West Berlin in an effort to assert control over the whole city.

All routes to West Berlin were sealed on the land side and water side – none of the ways to supply food and other resources could be used, and the population of 2,5 million was difficult to provide for. The Allies had a serious dilemma – either to let go of West Berlin to the Soviets or come up with a creative way to bring in the basic needs.

The Airlift Begins

The Berlin Airlift started on 26 June 1948 when the first planes flew over Berlin delivering much needed supplies to the city. At the behest of the United States and other Allies, an extensive and path breaking aerial logistics exercise began which today forms for the most recognized images of the Cold War.

Tempelhof airport was the centre of the airlift with planes coming in every few minutes around the clocks. The operation entailed complex scheduling and planning to move innumerable tons of assorted necessities such as food, fuel and medicine. Taking risks, pilots flew through the mined skies and although the ground crews engaged in persistent hard work of sorting and distributing the supplies received, it was worth it.

The Rosinenbomber: Freedom’s Airlift: Heroes of American and British

The pilots of the missions in question began to be called “Rosinenbomber” or “raisin bombers” since they liked to drop sweets for the kids of West Berlin during the flight at very low altitude.

The most famous pilot was the American Lieutenant Gail Halvorsen, who eventually airlifted candy attached to tiny parachutes. He just extended a hand of help which was so rare during this particular time.

The British also contributed their own versions in actuality to the American fleet. However, ideally-political historical conflict, the strategic of the Berlin Airlift help the Allied countries to gain a common cooperation and solidarity.

The End of the Blockade

The Berlin Airlift similarly took almost a year and came to an end on May 12 1949 when the S.U.Blockedade had been lifted. The extent of a success represented a severe loss to Soviet pride and demonstrated_submission and tenacity of the United States, Great Britain, and their allies.

Legacy and Impact

Berlin Airlift left great impact in the history in the political arena and learnings as well as humanitarian mission. It marked the beginning of change in the dynamics of the Cold War and assured the free world of the unbending determination to restore liberty and freedom.

The Airlift achieved great success and eventually NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was formed In 1949 to counter any aggression from Soviet.

Crisis such as the Berlin Airlift is a clear indication that in face of adversity, human beings rope in their spirit, courage and unite in the cause of togetherness.

Key Takeaways

The Berlin Airlift came as a result of a Russian blockade to West Berlin.

It was an enormous air-lifting exercise initiated and managed by the United States but involving the British.

The paper described pilots as “Rosinenbomber” for candy drops.

The Berlin Airlift lasted almost one year and was finished when the blockade was raised.

The peace religion is said to have immensely affected international relations and resulted to the formation of NATO.

The Berlin Airlift is one of many examples that still demonstrates the people’s ability to fight partition and isolation, the capability of the international community to counter act it and the success of democracy over communism.