Berlin Blockade and Airlift

Causes of the Berlin Blockade and Airlift

1. USSR wanted Germany to remain weak
2. US wanted Germany to be a barrier against spread of communism and to help Europe economically recover (1300 mil in MA)
4. Formation of Trizonia and introduction of Deutschmark-Stalin saw this as reconstruction of Germany

When did the Berlin Blockade occur?

24th June 1948

What did Stalin do?

Stalin ordered the closure of all road,rail and canal links with West Berlin

What did Stalins actions mean?

-Broke Potsdam agreements
-Berlin only had supplies for 6 weeks

What was the official reason for Stalins actions?

Technical Difficulties

Who was behind the US response?

General Lucius Clay-wanted to use force and Truman-didn't

What did the US do

Airlift supplies as it was unlikely Stalin would shoot them down as that would be an act of war

How much was airlifted?

13,000 tonnes flown in every day at 2 minutes for almost a year

When did the Airlift end and how much was delivered

12 May 1949
2 mil tonnes

Consequences of Berlin Blockade

-propaganda victory for the west
-policy of containment seems to have worked

What happened in April 1949?

NATO formed with 12 countries

How did the Soviets perceive NATO

saw it as an aggressive alliance

When was WG allowed in NATO

allowed to join in 1955

When was the Warsaw Pact set up?

May 1955