berlin blockade

what was the berlin blockade?

The Berlin Blockade was when the Soviet Union tried to cut off all supplies to West Berlin in 1948–49 by blocking roads, railways, and canals. Stalin did this to push the Western Allies out of the city and stop them from creating a strong West Germany. In response, the USA and its allies flew food, fuel, and other essentials into the city in what became known as the Berlin Airlift. The blockade ended after almost a year when the Soviets gave up and reopened the routes.

reasons for the berlin blockade:

• Stalin wanted to force the Western Allies out of Berlin

• To stop the creation of a strong, capitalist West Germany

• The West introduced a new currency (the Deutsche Mark) without Soviet approval

• The Soviets wanted full control over Berlin

• To test how far the USA, UK, and France would go to defend their zones

• To respond to growing Western cooperation (Bizonia → Trizonia)