During the Cold War the Berlin Airlift stands out as a major historical event. During 1948 from June until 1949 in May the Soviet Union tried to control West Berlin by cutting all ground and water transportation to the city. This blog explains the Berlin Airlift story and explains why it remains crucial to history.
Background: The Division of Germany
After World War II four nations USA, USSR, Britain, and France took control of separate zones in Germany. Berlin fell into two parts when tensions rose between the Soviet Union and Western allies because the city sat deeply inside Soviet control. The West controlled West Berlin as Soviets administered East Berlin.
The Berlin Blockade
To control West Berlin completely the Soviet government established a total blockade in June 1948 which denied people in West Berlin land, sea and rail transportation. The Soviets wanted to force the Western occupiers to leave by depriving Berlin’s residents of food through a blockade.
The Western Response
When the Soviet Union pushed ahead with its aggression the United States United Kingdom and France remained unwavering in defense of their interest. In a united stand they launched the Berlin Airlift to fly supplies directly to people in West Berlin.
The Airlift Operation
Planes delivered vital resources to every person among the two million residents during the airlift project. Warplanes from United States and Britain transported vital supplies including food and fuel during never-ending air drops to Tempelhof and Gatow airports in West Berlin.
During Operation Vittles American airlifts brought supplies to West Berlin residents.
Air transportation deliveries started on June 26 1948 when Operation Vittles became active. C-47 Skytrains and other cargo planes safely landed throughout every day to establish a nonstop supply route to West Berlin. The American pilots who delivered supplies became popular champions among Berlin’s trapped residents.
Operation Plainfare represents the British Airlift initiative.
During the Berlin Airlift period the British Operation Plainfare operated alongside the American Operation Vittles. During the blockade British Royal Air Force (RAF) planes primarily used Avro Yorks and Handley Page Hastings to fly supplies across to West Berlin residents.
The Berlin Airlift became immensely successful
Despite weather problems and small airports the Berlin Airlift delivered its supplies successfully. Through the Berlin Airlift the Western powers demonstrated their unwavering commitment to keep West Berliners fed despite Soviet control.
The End of the Blockade
At last the Berlin Blockade ended on May 12 1949 after remaining in force for one full year. After observing the Berlin Airlift’s success the Soviet Union dropped its blockade scheme because it failed to stop West Berlin’s supplies from reaching its residents. When the Soviet blockade ended it damaged their propaganda efforts during the first phase of the Cold War.
Legacy and Significance
The Berlin Airlift([SwitchAction=AirDrop]a) made a big difference in Cold War development. During the Cold War Western nations showed their commitment to keeping democracy and freedom safe from Soviet threats. The success of the airlift led to the formal division of Germany and the establishment of two separate states: Germany split into two parts because the national population formed West Germany and East Germany.
Humanity saw its potential through the Berlin Airlift which shows today how united nations help each other during difficult times. The event shows how people survive tough times with their inner strength.
Conclusion
The American and British aircrews performed a major operational miracle by delivering needed supplies over Soviet airspace to keep West Berlin safe from separation. American and British air force teams made continuous deliveries of necessary supplies and brought back hope for people during an important moment in history. The.Blockade ceremony set up Germany’s split and demonstrated the West’s resolute decision to guard freedom and democracy through action.