The Berlin Blockade/Airlift 1948
Notes
- Began with currency reforms in West Europe
- Russians block the transportation routes into Berlin
- Allies had to decide to give up Berlin or make other plans
- War was an option
- Berlin airlift, 1948
- Instead the US decided on a massive airlift to supply the western half of the city
- One aircraft took off every two minutes for fifteen months
- it became a public relations victory and a show of US industrial might
- Example of Truman doctrine
- one cause for the formation of NATO (North Atlantic treaty organization)
Summary
The Berlin Blockade and airlift were two very controversial events that caused great tension between the Americans and the Russians. The Russians blocked the transportation routes into ally occupied Berlin, as an attempt to force them out of the city and take full control. But instead of leaving, or going to war, the Americans began a massive airlift to support the city. Every two minutes, for 15 months straight, American planes took off and brought supplies to the West Berliners. it became a public relations victory, and a way for the Americans to show off their industrial strength.
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Subjunctive Question
What would have happened to Europe if they had decided upon war instead of the Airlift?
Political Cartoon
Video
Quote
“People of this world, look upon this city and see that you should not and cannot abandon this city and this people.”
- Ernst Reuter
- Ernst Reuter