The Berlin Blockade And Airlift Flashcards
In 1945, how was Berlin divided?
It was split into 4 zones, one each for Britain, France the usa and the Soviet Union
Why did Stalin want Germany to be kept weak and divided?
So they it couldn’t attack the Soviet Union ever again. He also wanted Germany to pay for the cost of the war damage .
Why did the west want Germany to recover?
Because they believed that a stronger Germany would help the rest of Europe to recover
What was bizonia?
A single economic unit created from the USA and Britain’s zones. France joined a year later
Why was the introduction of the Deutchmark significant?
It strengthened the economy int eh western Germany and in the western sectors of Berlin
Why was it possible for Stalin to blockade Capitalist western Berlin?
He closed railways, roads and canals, cutting fuel and food supplies to western Berlin. He did it by saying the roads all needed work, railways weren’t safe etc.
Why did the west refuse to abandon western Berlin?
Because if they took Berlin, their next target would be western Germany.
What was operation Vittles?
An airlift designed to supply the cities inhabitants. It lasted 11 months, 300,000 flights and 2 million tonnes of cargo shipped
How did the soviets attempt to disrupt the airlift?
They jammed radio communications and shining searchlights to temporarily blind pilots.
When did Stalin lift the blockade?
May 1949 after failing to gain the rest of Berlin.
What was created in April 1949 as a result of the blockade?
NATO. (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
What was GDR?
The German Democratic Republic. This was a soviet run communist East Germany with East Berlin as its capital.
What did the western zones become in May 1949?
the Federal Republic of Germany
What was the Warsaw Pact in response to?
NATO. it was a military alliance of Eastern countries under soviet leadership. It was controlled at Moscow.
Who did the Warsaw Pact involve? (8 countries)
The Soviet Union East Germany Poland Czechoslovakia Hungary Romania Albania Bulgaria
