Throughout the years 1949-1961, the question of Berlin caused east-west tensions

Introduction

1. Why is Berlin so important to all powers

2. What does it mean if Berlin is controlled

3. Disagreements/Agreements over Berlin at Potsdam/Yalta

Agree

1. Berlin Blockade - lifted 12th May 1949 by Stalin, caused by the Marshall Plan, Soviet intimidation, new currency, US forces not going home, etc. Tonner introduced, 2,000 tons of coal and 1.5 million supplies transported on 275,000 planes - consequences: EG/WG, higher tensions, accelerated use of NATO, Stalin looks immoral starving a city, not letting supplies in

2. 1960 Berlin crisis - Berlin source of tension, remained divided, K had many concerns regarding Berlin; 1958, ordered West to withdraw troops to make WB a free city - threatened if they didn't do so, would agree a treaty w/ EG making it hard for West to occupy Berlin - Western powers rejected, Checkpoint Charlie's occurred - serious point of conflict - ultimatum eventually withdrawn after 1959 Camp David but still no progress over Berlin made (continued to be source of tension)

Disagree

1. Change in leader: Stalin died 5th March 1953, Khrushchev's right hand man entered power, changed FP towards ‘Peaceful Coexistence’ which causes tensions as not fully committed, wants to build/retain on nuclear possession, issues ulitmatum, bully’s Kennedy at Vienna Summit, ‘cant be coexistence within ideology’

2. 1953 Truman to Eisenhower: Eisenhower shifts FP to SEATO, more asia-centric, tensions as US commit to Asia then abandon, influenced by McCarthyism

3. U-2: Gary Powers shot down over Soviet zone, USA claimed he went off course - Powers on trial for spying, forcing US to admit to it being a spy plane - at parties summit, Khrushchev refused to speak unless the US apologized; Eisenhower refused calling end to meeting - created tension/showed the refusal to compromise between the powers - opposes ‘PC’

Conclusion

1. Berlin caused tension due to both superpowers wanting different things for city (significance of taking over city)

2. While other elements did also cause tension, events were usually solved, whereas Berlin always remained an issue - wall lasted until 1989