The Berlin Blockade/airlift

Question 1

What did Stalin do in 1948?

Answer 1

Stalin blocked all road, rail, and canal access to West Berlin.
• He wanted to force the Allies out of Berlin and prevent the creation of West Germany.

Question 2

What did the western allies do?

Answer 2

refused to back down.

Question 3

What did the western allies organise?

Answer 3

massive airlift—planes flew supplies into West Berlin daily.
• Over 275,000 flights delivered food, fuel, medicine, and coal to the 2 million residents.
• At its peak, a plane landed every 30 seconds.

Question 4

What did Stalin do after?

Answer 4

called off the blockade after 11 months—it had failed.
• The event made the USA look strong and committed to stopping communism.
• West Germany (FRG) and East Germany (GDR) were officially formed soon after.

Question 5

consequences?

Answer 5

NATO was formed (1949) – a military alliance to defend against Soviet aggression.
2. The Cold War became even more divided and tense.
3. Showed the USA’s policy of containment in action—stopping communism from spreading.