Hi! Step right in to our post dedicated to the incredibly interesting Berlin Blockade and Airlift. As such, in this post, we will look more closely at the main sources of this event and the meaning of its occurrence. Regardless of whether you’re an avid history learner or just interested in this episode of the Cold War, then this article will be of use to you.

Background

In fact, to fully explore and comprehend the reasons behind the Berlin Blockade and Airlift one must acknowledge the terms of the post World War Two period. Following Germany’s defeat in 1945, the country was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the Allied powers: of which were the United States, Great Britain, France as well as the Soviet Union in the war. The capital itself of Berlin was also divided into four zones, all buried deep within the Soviet sphere.

The Cold War Begins

Soon, the tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western countries rose and Germany was right in the middle of it all. During 1948, the Allies had introduced a new currency in their zones, including West Berlin which offended the Soviets. In return the Soviet Union aimed at gaining control over the west Berlin hence put in to effect a Berlin blockade.

The Berlin Blockade

The Berlin blockade started on 24 th June 1948 after the Soviet Union sealed off all routes by Road and sea to West Berlin. The idea was to blockade the city to death in a bid to gain full masterly over the whole of the German capital. The blockade become a major problem to the western powers which wanted to remain in Berlin.

The Western Response

The western powers led by the United States in the beginning tried to supply West Berlin through the road means, but it became virtually impossible. Therefore, they devised a groundbreaking solution: the Berlin Airlift.

The Berlin Airlift

The Berlin Airlift also known as “Operation Vittles” started on 26 June 1948 and ended on 30 September 1949. It was to털 Tranifo’Y the supplies needed by west Berlin civilians through airborne means while disregarding the soviet blockade.

The Logistics

The key supplies including food, fuel and other items were airlifted into Berlin by a convoy of transports. What make this operation a little był was the fact that it was a colossal enterprise on an indescribable scale. In order to maintain non-stop flights, airports in West Berlin were refurbished and made bigger.

The Success

One of the most incredible aspects of the Berlin Airlift was accomplished in lighting up an average of 5,000 tons of supplies daily by the western powers. The West Berliners and all those who fought for it to survive did an exemplary job thus serving the East as a strong reminder of the resolve of the western Allies to resist the Soviet might in defense of liberty.

Outcome and Significance

Finally, Berlin Airlift eliminated the soviet blockade and demolished their expectation of dominating West Berlin. It was the turning point in the early cold war and showed that the western power would fight to contain the Soviets.

Increased Tensions

Although the Berlin Blockade and Airlift to the West’s advantage the conflict between the USSR and the west escalated. The event that brought division of Germany into East and West resulted to formation of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany).

Symbol of Freedom

The Berlin Airlift also made into a symbol of freedom and survivorship of a cold war. It focused on the theme on togetherness and demonstrated the desire to defend democracy.

Conclusion

The events of the Berlin Blockade and Airlift were products of competition that was characteristic of the Cold War period. To gain control over West Berlin the Soviet Union acted in the way, which led to the usage of the blockade; however, it was meet by the western powers through the Berlin Airlift, which had not been witnessed before. This was not only a supply delivery to West Berlin but also a symbol of noncompliance with aggression of Soviet forces. Such an important subject in world history enables the understanding of the interaction between countries during the Cold War and highlights the need for peace and liberty.