The Berlin airlift

Question 1

What did Berlin become a symbol of during the first part of the Cold War?

Answer 1

Western resistance to Soviet expansion

Question 2

How did Truman keep Berlin supplied by air?

Answer 2

During the 324 days of the blockade, US and British planes ferried 13,000 tonnes of supplies to West Berlin

Question 3

Give 3 reasons why the Berlin Airlift was significant

Answer 3

Demonstrated the commitment of the USA to fighting communism in Western Europe
Humiliated Stalin, forcing him to back down and end the blockade
Showed Stalin was unwilling to engage the USA in military conflict

Question 4

What did the failure of the Soviet blockade force Stalin to recognise?

Answer 4

He could not prevent the division of Germany

Question 5

What was Germany formally divided into as a result of the Berlin airlift?

Answer 5

Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)

German Democratic Republic (East Germany)

Question 6

What did the Berlin blockade test?

Answer 6

Truman’s containment policy