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In 1948 the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on West Berlin. The Americans, British and French responded with an unprecedented airlift operation and supplied the city over the time of nearly a year.

 

Video

 

 

Overview

  • Date: 24 Jun 1948 – 12 May 1949
  • Location: Berlin
  • Event: Soviet Union blockades Berlin & the western allies supply the city through an airlift operation

 

Parties & Persons Involved

  • Berlin
  • USA
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Soviet Union
  • Lucius D. Clay (1897 – 1978), U.S. Military Governor
  • William H. Tunner (1906 – 1983), CO of the Berlin Airlift

 

Background

  • After World War II Germany is divided into 4 occupation zones
  • Berlin is also divided into 4 sectors & is an enclave in the soviet occupation zone
  • Soviet Union establishes satellite states in eastern Europe / eastern bloc
  • Growing tension between the former allies: USA, UK & France vs. Soviet Union
  • Attempts to create a (West-) German state integrated in the West

 

History

  • 23 Feb – 02 Jun 1948: London 6-Power Conference with the following results:
    • Foundation of a democratic & federal state in (West-) Germany
    • Integration in the west of the new state
  • 21 Jun 1948: Currency reform & introduction of the Deutsche Mark in West Germany
  • 23 Jun 1948: Announcement that the D-Mark will be introduced into West Berlin
  • 24 Jun 1948: Soviet Union blockades West Berlin
  • 26 Jun 1948: US Air Force starts operation Vittels – Relief flights to Tempelhof
  • 28 Jun 1948: Royal Air Force starts the operation Plain Fare – Relief flights to Gatow & Water planes fly to the river Havel & lake Wannsee
  • 05 Aug 1948: The French construct a runway for Tegel airport
  • 05 Nov 1948: 1. Flight of the Armee de l‘Air to Tegel
  • 04 May 1949: Jessup-Malik-Agreement between the USA & the Soviet Union to end the blockade
  • 12 May 1949: Soviet Union ends the Berlin Blockade
  • 12 May 1949: The 1st British relief convoy rolls to Berlin
  • 30 Sep 1949: Last relief flight to Berlin after 3-month contingency reserve is built

 

Consequences & Impact

  • 1st peak of the Cold War
  • Further hardening of the anti-communist attitude in West Germany
  • Turning point of the relation between Germans & western allies who are now perceived as allies & protecting powers rather than as occupiers
  • Berlin Blockade & Berlin Airlift are influential on:
    • Foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany (Constitution takes effect on 24 May 1949)
    • Foundation of NATO (04 Apr 1949)
    • Rearmament & NATO membership of Germany