What was the Berlin Blockade?

The Berlin Blockade was a political measure by the Soviet Union in which supply routes to West Berlin were blocked. This happened in response to the currency reform in West Germany in 1948. The Soviet Union wanted to prevent West Berlin from continuing to be supported and strengthened by the Western Allies.

The blockade began in June 1948 and lasted almost a year. The supply of West Berlin was ensured exclusively through an airlift, in which tons of food, fuel, and other goods were flown into the city daily. The airlift was a logistical masterpiece and a symbolic act of support for the people of West Berlin.

The Berlin Blockade ended in May 1949 when the Soviet Union lifted its blockade. Although the blockade ultimately failed because the Western Allies were able to maintain the supply of West Berlin, it highlighted the tensions and conflict between the former World War II allies.

The Berlin Blockade had far-reaching political consequences and contributed to the division of Germany. It also marked the beginning of the cold War, a period of political tensions between the superpowers of the USA and the Soviet Union. The Berlin Blockade is therefore a significant event in 20th-century history and still has an impact on international politics today.