Consequence of Berlin crisis

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Soviets attempt to force Western influence out of Berlin by blockading them on July 1948 and May 1949 however airlift and counter blockade resulted in it ending.

Question 2

Short term (2 things)

Answer 2

1)Western powers approved the constitution of West Germany (FRG) in spring 1949 with Adanaeur as leader. Stalin forced to set up East Germany (GDR) - Ulbricht as leader. Only gained 5% of vote for communist so ended occupation but still military presence.2) Stalin’s dream of unified Germany dead. Increased tensions as West Berlin Council strictly anti-communist.

Question 3

Long term (2 things)

Answer 3

1)March 1948 Brussels Pact signed by Britain, France and others. Berlin Crisis resulted in US supporting alliance and on 4th April 1949 NATO formed - promising mutual assistance if aggressors attacked. Now clear military division in Europe. 1955 - Warsaw Pact signed. 2)West Berlin prospered due to Marshall aid - mass migration. 1961 - 30,000 East Germans month migrating. Survival of East Germany threatened by this - Berlin Wall 13th August 1961.

Question 4

For whom

Answer 4

USSR defeat - didn’t want division of Germany as fear of strong Western Germany threatened communism, not complete failure - consolidated USSR bloc and removal of western influence. USA - moral victory - 2000 tonnes a day of supplies - increased prestige so more support for capitalism.