American Marshall Plan

US offered economic assistance to Germany, but only was accepted in the western zone

However, it is possible that it was a shallow offer to the Soviets, since it is unlikely that the American Congress would allow large sums of money to be sent to countries under the Soviet, communist influence

In response, Stalin built the blocked all road, rail, and canal transportation to West Berlin, which was located within East Germany

US responded by flying supplies into West Berlin, known as the Berlin airlift