Conflict over Germany; the Berlin Blockade

What did the Soviet Union do in June 1948?

The Soviet Union blocked all road and rail links to the Western zones and to West Berlin through the Soviet Zone

Who became the prime mover in driving the allied response to the Soviet blockade?

Ernest Bevin, Britain’s Foreign Secretary

What did Bevin argue was the Soviet Union’s ultimate aim?

Bevin argued that the Soviet Union’s ultimate aim was to spread communism across the whole of Germany, and their pressure to oust the Western powers from West Berlin was the first step in this process.

What was Bevin adamant about? Who supported his view? (2 points)

* Bevin was adamant that the allies must not use military force to access West Berlin but must keep it supplied with essentials.
* US General Clay supported this view.

What did US General Clay believe about the prospect of any withdrawal from Berlin? (2 points)

• Clay believed that any withdrawal from Berlin would threaten the future of democracy in Germany

• A Western non-communist presence was crucial.

What was the result of the Berlin Blockade for Stalin?

Stalin failed in his aim to prevent the creation of a separate West German state