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What Occurred During the Berlin Blockade and Airlift

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Cold War Tour Berlin

Introduction

During the aftermath of World War II, Berlin became a focal point of tension between the Allied powers and the Soviet Union. The Berlin Blockade and Airlift were significant events that took place from 1948 to 1949. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to the blockade, its implementation, and the subsequent airlift that brought respite to the people of West Berlin. Let’s dive in!

The Berlin Blockade

The Berlin Blockade was a Soviet attempt to shut down access to West Berlin – a city, which was deep inside East Germany. The Soviet Union was not happy when the western powers decided to merge their zonal occupation and introducing the Deutsche Mark into Germany so it embarked on closing all the land and sea access to West Berlin.

The blockade was designed to drive the western allies out of West Berlin and to tighten Soviet grip over the whole city. This decision was howeverelope to hold as supplies of food, water and fuel among others became rationed. The people of West Berlin were beleaguered by a sharp humanitarian crisis.

It is the insistence of the western powers

The Western powers and led primarily by the U.S.A, Britain and France were bent on providing food aid to West Berlin. They would not forsake the people to the Soviets. But what they have planned to deal with the blockade was even more risky and crazy than the blockade itself.

The Berlin Airlift

Berliner Airlift was a unique event in the history of the west that helped it deliver supplies for West Berlin by air. It was being performed from June 26, 1948 to September 30, 1949 PTO. It included constant running of cargo planes that used to bring in necessities to the city.

Operation Vittles

Because the United States Air Force was primarily responsible for the airlift, they referred to their operation as “Operation Vittles.” There was a huge number of airplanes flying over the blockade just to deliver supplies in West Berlin.

Airstrip Construction

To ensure a smooth operation, the Western powers quickly constructed three major air bases in West Berlin: Tempelhof, Tegel, and Gatow. Also, other, smaller airfields were defined in Berlin and in the rest of West Germany to enhance the airlift.

The pilots, aircrews, and ground support personnel were always coming up with the most effective ways to keep the supply-laden planes flying and resupplied into West Berlin. There was the creation of a supply line for all necessities ranging from food, coal, medicine and clothing.

The Impact and Results

The Berlin Airlift had its relevance locally and internationally. It showed the readiness of the Western powers to back up the population of West Berlin and to promote the values of liberty and democracy.

The airlift success also help illustrate the supply line of United States, Britain, and France and their determination to counter Soviet oppression. It was a factor that marked the intensity of polarization between the branches of the ideological spectrum of East and West at earliest days of the Cold War.

The End of the Blockade

Aware of the fact that the blockade was countersensical, the Soviet Union removed the blockade at the end of May 12, 1949. Their attempt of encircling West Berlin had not worked out as planned due to determination of the west and the results of the airlift.

Conclusion

The Berlin Blockade and Airlift were volumes that formed part of the story of the Cold War. The blockade lead to crisis in West Berlin, but the airlift showed that the Western powers are willing to assist the city. Success for the airlift led to the formation of west Germany and thus increased the tension between the east and the west. Now it is an emblem of human spirit and people unity when they try to survive and carry on difficult situation.

What Occurred During the Berlin Blockade and Airlift