The Berlin Blockade and Airlift Flashcards
How did the Aims of the USSR and the West cause the Berlin Blockade
USSR wanted Germany to remain weak due to invading Russia twice
West wanted strong Germany to protect against further spread of communism $1,3000m of Marshall Aid given to West Germany for Recovery
How did economy cause the Berlin Blockade
By 1948 West Germany was on road to economic recovery because of Marshall Aid.
USSR removed large amounts of resources from East Germany as reparations. This meant the living conditions were poorer in the east (put pressure on Stalin as German People could see difference and made communism look bad)
How did the New Currency cause the Berlin Blockade
In 1948 allies merged west Germany into Trizonia also introducing a new currency, The Deutschmark
Stalin wasn’t consulted and was angry about the action. Thought it was the first step in building a strong Germany and could make the difference in living standards worse.
What steps does Stalin take in retaliation to Western Economic pressure over Berlin
(own knowledge didn’t use books)
Stalin closes down Berlin and doesn’t let anyone in or out of it. He lied and said it was due to maintenance.
Why did Stalin take such a risk by doing the Berlin Blockade
Berlin was a gap in the iron curtain and that scared Stalin. He was testing America and wanted them out to have a perfect Iron Curtain
Why could the USA not allow Stalin to continue with the action of the Berlin Blockade
It was a test to see if America would back out of Europe and they didn’t want to as they wanted to be more involved so that they could stop the spread of communism.
Events during the Berlin Airlift
13,000 tonnes of Material flown into Berlin everyday
People of west Berlin underwent rationing but by mid-1949 Stalin had to admit defeat he couldn’t starve the west out of Berlin and lifted the blockade
101 airmen died in crashes during the Airlift
Took course over 11 months
Consequences and impact on relations due to the Berlin blockade and airlift
NATO established and it was going to use military strength to preserve western interests
In response to NATO being established, The Warsaw Pact alliance between Soviet bloc countries is established
All hope of a united Germany was lost. In February 1949 West Germany was established and in October 1949, East Germany was established
Containment had proved successful - Communism had not spread
Tensions increased
