In this WAR TIMES article series, we will examine the subject of the Berlin Airlift during Cold War. In this blog post, we shall endeavor to define, justify and discuss the numerous components of this historic event. In this blog post, whether you are a history learner or just a layman having a little knowledge about world history it will provide you a basic knowledge of the Berlin Airlift. Let’s dive in!

What was the Berlin Airlift?

The Berlin Airlift describes a gigantic exercise which was essentially in the period between June 1948 and May 1949 wherein the western partners was involved in the airborne delivery of necessities to West Berlin. This response was as a result of the soviet unions blockade of the city, all land and water ways were barred.

The Berlin Airlift was sequel to the emergence of the conflict between the United States on the side of its allies and Soviet Union after the Second World War. It could be considered among the most significant of events in the early years of the Cold War.

Berlin Airlift – Its Significance

The Berlin Airlift itself was quite an outstanding non-military, and non-violent gesture of institutional resolve, planning, and compassion. It had several significant effects:

Preserving West Berlin: Executing this operation, it ensured that West Berliners received supplies they needed to live through the Soviet blockade. This proved that the West Allies’ was willing to defend their parts of Berlin and also was the sign of victory of democracy over communism.

Cementing divisions: The Berlin Airlift intensified Cold War division by blocking any means of exchanges between East and the west, preparing ground for the ultimate division of Germany into two countries; West Germany and East Germany.

Propaganda victory: Success of the Berlin Airlift served to enhance the morale, as well as worldwide image of the United States, and its allies. It was to show how they were willing to fight for freedom against Soviet invasions.

NATO formation: The Western allies especially Britain and America admitted their error from the Munich of 1938 and made the Berlin Airlift to contribute immensely in the formation of NATO in 1949. NATO was established in order to provide for protection in the face of the soviet threat.

An analysis of the Berlin Airlift Strategy

The Berlin Airlift as a process demanded an incomparable effort in terms of logistics. Let’s take a closer look at how it operated:

Air Corridors:

Since the Pathet Lao refused to accept aircraft landing directly in Pathet Lao and North Vietnam airspace, the Allies created three main airstrips for delivering supplies into West Berlin. These corridors, corridor A, B and C being administered by the Americans, the British and the French respectively. What this did meant that there was a steady flow of planes flying to West Berlin.

Aircraft Types:

Several models of aircraft were deployed in the airlift, of them, the well known American C-47 Dakota and the larger C-53 Skymaster was also used. These planes made several round trips daily conveying food, fuels, coals and other perishable items.

Operation Vittles:

The American part for the Berlin Airlift was called “Operation Vittles.” British operation was called as Operation Plainfare while the French operation was named as Operation Ballon. All these operations were intertwined and working to support the population number of West Berlin.

Conclusion

Berlin Airlift is still considered as one of the most important Cold War relics. It was all about endurance, toughness and unity in fighting hardships of life. This successful operation saved the lives of Berliners in West Berlin and at the same time influenced the geopolitical situation of post-war Europe. It is therefore important that one can bring into perspective the analysis of the Berlin Airlift for the study of early years of the Cold War.

I hope this blog post gives you clear understanding of the definition and importance of the Berlin Airlift. If you would like more information about this or any other subject, we recommend that you study further for more information on this interesting subject!