Berlin Blockade and Airlift.docx

Berlin Blockade

Stalin's closure of all roads, railways, and canals connected to West Berlin in 1948 to force the Western powers out.

Berlin Airlift

President Truman's decision to airlift supplies to West Berlin to break the blockade, leading to the transport of two million tonnes of supplies.

Trizonia

The union of the USA, Britain, and France zones in Germany in March 1948, introducing the new currency Deutschmark.

Marshall Aid

Economic assistance provided by the USA to Western Europe post-WWII, rejected by Stalin for East Germany.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization, formed in April 1949 by 12 Western nations to prevent Soviet attacks, considering an attack on one as an attack on all.

Warsaw Pact

Established in May 1955 by the USSR as the communist counterpart to NATO, seen as a response to NATO's formation.

Containment

The USA's policy to prevent the spread of communism, symbolized by their efforts to hold on to Berlin during the blockade.

Federal Republic of Germany

Established in May 1949 as West Germany, following the Berlin Airlift and the lifting of the blockade.

German Democratic Republic

The name given by the USSR to its zone, East Germany, after the establishment of West Germany.

Propaganda Victory

The Berlin Airlift was considered a propaganda victory for the USA, showcasing the success of their containment policy.