Notes
- The Berlin Blockade of 1948 began with currency reforms (Movements that propose a different system of financing the economy) in Western Germany.
- The Russians blocked the Western Allies' transportation routes into Berlin. The goal was to force the western powers to allow the Soviet area to start supplying Berlin with things such as food and fuel thereby giving the Soviets control over the city.
- The Allies had to decide whether to give up Berlin or make other plans. War was an option.
- In response, the Western Allies decided to use a massive airlift to supply the western half of the city.
- One aircraft would land every two minutes for 15 months.
- it became a public relations victory and a show of US industrial might.
- It was also an example of the Truman Doctrine and was a cause of the information of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Video
Summary
The Russian military creates a blockade, beginning with currency reforms in West Germany as well as blocking off transportation routes through Berlin. The United States helps Berlin by sending in many aircrafts to supply the city. Thus making democracy a better method as opposed to communism. The Truman Doctrine's was one of the causes of the formation of NATO.
Audio
Pictures
Political Cartoon
Quotes
"I think that NATO is itself a war criminal."
Subjunctive Question
Would NATO been formed if the Berlin Airlift had not happened?