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