Conflict Over Germany

What was decided at Potsdam? 

Germany would be divided into four zones.  The Eastern zone was controlled by the USSR.

What was the Soviet view on Germany in 1945? 

They thought it posed a threat to its security and argued for a neutral Germany.     

What was the US view on Germany in 1945?

The US thought Germany was important for trade and was financially important. They thought a harsh punishment would allow extremism to flourish  

What caused the Berlin Blockade?  

• A meeting in Moscow 1947 talks broke down on the US proposal for monetary reform. As a consequence, Bizonia was formed.  

• In 1948 France agreed to work with the USA on currency reform. A new Deutsche Mark was introduced  

• In April 1949 the West decided to politically intricate their zones into Trizonia.

What was the Berlin Blockade? 

The USSR took resources from its zone as reparations. The Soviets were cross about the Marshall Plan and new currency. Stalin ordered that road, rail, canal and power supplies linked to West Berlin were cut in a bid to halt the Western Reforms

How did the West respond to the Berlin Blockade?

They organised Operation Vittles and Operation Plainfare to bring food and fuel to Berlin. By May 1949 2.3 million tons of supplies had been flown into the city. 

What was the significance of the Berlin crisis?  

• On May 12th 1949 Stalin accepted that the blockade had failed. 

• It embarrassed the USSSR and failed to achieve unification. 

• The USA guaranteed security of Western Europe though the creation of NATO 

• It showed that the West were willing stand up to the USSR peacefully 

• Neither side escalated the event or were prepared to risk a nuclear war