Berlin Airlift 1948-49

Question 1

Why was there an airlift

Answer 1

1. Stalin closed all rail and road links into Berlin
2. Stalin saw Berlin as a chink in his buffer zone
3. Stalin feared the West might use Berlin to spy on them
4. The West side of Berlin was prosering compared to the East and this was embarrassing for the soviets and communism
5. Relations were breaking down between the USA and the Soviet Union after WWII
6. The Soviets hoped to drive the capitalist nations out of Berlin altogether

Question 2

What were the key aspects of the Berlin airlift

Answer 2

1. The blockade began on the 24th of June, 1948, when Stalin ordered all routes that Britain, France and the USA could use to get supplies into West Berlin to be blocked. His idea was to drive the allied forces out of West Berlin
2. Britain, America and France swiftly responded to the blockade, as just a few days later, planes were sent to West Berlin, carrying needed resources
3. Planes would have around 90 second intervals to land and drop off supplies, before
4. The airlift lasted for 10 months, ending in May 1949, when Stalin removed the blockade and realised he had been defeated.
5. The planes delivered 4,600 tons a day
6. They supplied oil, building materials, food and clothing

Question 3

What were the results of the Berlin Blockade

Answer 3

1. Increases East vs Western rivalry
2. NATO formed as a defensive organisation
3. Intensifies the arms race
4. Stalin looked weak as it was a victory for the West