Unit 1.2 - The Berlin Crisis 1948 Flashcards
When was the Berlin Crisis?
1948
Short Term Causes
- the Western zones of Germany and Berlin received Marshall Aid and set up free elections to establish democracy, Stalin feared that this may influence his control over Germany as the democratic governments were right next to his Soviet zone.
- In January 1948 US and British zones merged into 1 economic unit known as Bizonia which later in March became Trizonia with the addition of France.
- Trizonia had its own new currency known as the Deutschmark - they introduced a new, stable currency that would be used throughout their zones and they created jobs for workers in the Western sectors.
When was Trizonia formed?
March 1948
Long Term Causes
- The West wanted to establish a capitalist state and use Germany for economic growth on their behalf.
- Stalin wanted Trizonia to surrender and take control of Berlin - wanted to weaken Germany as a punishment for the war; help rebuild the USSR by stealing German industrial technology; make communism seem more attractive to the Germans.
- Stalin was concerned about berlin because he was surrounded by Western countries.
What was The Berlin Blockade?
Stalin believed that the West Berliners could be starved into submission.
Berlin could now only be accessed by air, resulting in a restriction on the freedom to travel outside Berlin for all Germans.
A shortage of food as West Berlin only had enough food for 36 days.
A lack of basic goods like fuel and medicines.
When was the Berlin Blockade?
June 1948
Consequences of The Berlin Blockade?
- Truman saw the crisis as a victory since through their persistent efforts, Russia was deterred and withdrew the blockade. The world looking in saw this as ‘capitalism’s’ victory over ‘communism’.
- West Germany and East Germany formed.
West Germany = Federal Republic of Germany & East Germany = German Democratic Republic. - Led to the formation of NATO. NATO is a treaty alliance initially between the UK, US and France, as the members of Trizonia, but the group of countries grew over time, all of which are from Europe and America i.e Western Countries.
Consequences of NATO
USA committed to the defence of Western Europe.
The USA set up its own missile bases in Western Europe including the UK.
Nuclear arms race escalated.
Stalin: NATO is not a defensive alliance. I believe that NATO is aimed at the Soviet Union.
Within 6 years, the Soviet Union set up the Warsaw Pact.
Significance of the Warsaw Pact
2 powerful and opposite alliances in Europe (the Iron Curtain accentuated)
Both alliances planned for military action against each other - including the use of nuclear weaponry.
The pact gave the Soviet Union direct control over the armed forces of its satellite states.
When was NATO formed?
1949
When was the Warsaw Pact formed?
1955
