Cold war

Question 1

What did the western powers do in response to the Berlin Blockade?

Answer 1

Organised an airlift to fly supplies into West Berlin every day

The airlift was a significant logistical operation to support West Berlin during the blockade.

Question 2

When was the Berlin Airlift?

Answer 2

From 26th June, 1948, to 12th May, 1949

The airlift lasted nearly a year.

Question 3

Why did the Berlin Airlift happen? List the main reasons.

Answer 3

• The West did not want to be forced out of West Berlin
• The USA wanted to contain communism
• It was a way to circumvent the blockade without starting a war

These reasons reflect the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War.

Question 4

What were the key events during the Berlin Airlift?

Answer 4

• Supplies of food, medicine, and fuel were flown in
• Approximately 8,000 tonnes of supplies were being flown in daily by the end
• A new airport called Berlin-Tegel was built, along with a new runway at Berlin-Tempelhof

These events highlight the scale and importance of the airlift operation.

Question 5

What were the consequences of the Berlin Airlift? List the key consequences.

Answer 5

• Two Germanies were created (West Germany in May 1949, East Germany in October 1949)
• USA created NATO in April 1949
• Europe became more politically, economically, and militarily divided
• The balance of power became more unstable after the USSR’s atomic bomb test in August 1949

Each consequence had a lasting impact on the Cold War dynamics.