The Berlin Blockade 1948-49

Question 1

Why was there an airlift in Berlin

Answer 1

1. Stalin had all the rail and road links into Berlin closed so that the USA, Britain and France could not access West Berlin
2. There was a growing contrast between the economic development in the West and East Berlin. West Berlin was prospering compared to the East, this was embarrassing for the Soviets and communist
3. In June 1948, the USA and Britain introduced a new currency, the Deutschmark in South Germany to further help the economy recover. But they did not consult Stalin on this. When he found out he was furious and worried about the USSR’s safety. In response he closed all land routes into Berlin.
4. Stalin was fearful the West were using West Berlin to spy on the Soviets
5. The Soviets wanted to drive all capitalist nations out of Berlin, so that Soviets have full control over it
6. Post WWII Americas and the Soviet Union’s relationship was deteriorating even more, this further made the Soviets want the USA out of West Berlin
7. Stalin saw Berlin as a weakness in his buffer zone, he believed this could be fixed if the Soviets had full control over it

Question 2

What were the key aspects of the Berlin Blockade

Answer 2

1. It began on the 28th of June 1948 when Stalin ordered all rail and road links into Berlin to be closed
2. Britain, America and France quickly made the decision to reach West Berlin by air
3. They began flying planes into West Berlin to get the required resources to the people
4. Planes flew into the city at a rate of 1 every 2 minutes
5. The airlift ended on May 12th 1949
6. 4,600 tons were delivered to West Berlin a day and they supplied West Berlin with oil, building materials, food, clothing and water

Question 3

What were the results of the Berlin Blockade

Answer 3

1. East vs West rivalry increased
2. NATO formed as a defensive organisation
3. The arms race intensified
4. Stalin looked weak as it was a Western victory