THE BERLIN BLOCKADE AND AIRLIFT 19489

1
THE BERLIN BLOCKADE AND AIRLIFT 1948-9
2
(No Transcript)
3
The background to the crisis

• By 1948 the USA, Britain and France had joined
  their 3 zones together to form one zone
• They were planning to introduce a new currency to
  aid recovery in their sector, including West
  Berlin
• Stalin did not want a prosperous Germany as he
  thought it would be a threat to the Soviet Union
• On the 24th June he closed all roads, canals and
  railways between the West of Germany and West
  Berlin effectively cutting it off

4

• Only the air corridors remained open for the
  allies to fly in supplies to the people of West
  Berlin
• A tense cold war crisis had begun

5
A diary of the blockade

• Entry for 24th June 1948
• In this entry you should describe your feelings
  as you hear that your city has been cut off from
  the West. Why do you think Stalin has done this?
  Where are you going to get supplies of food and
  fuel from? What are your fears for the future if
  no-one intervenes to help West Berliners?

6

• 26th December 1948
• The blockade has been in force for over 6 months,
  how have the people of West Berlin survived?
  Describe the heroic exploits of the US and
  British pilots keeping the people fed and
  supplied during this time. How much longer can
  this go on for? How did you celebrate Christmas
  day?
• Explain your thoughts as you hear that one of
  your close friends has decided to go the East,
  enticed by the promise of extra rations. What do
  you think life will be like over there?

7

• 5th May 1949
• You have just heard that Stalin has called off
  the blockade!
• Why do you think he has been forced to back down?
• Why do you feel that this has been a victory for
  the West?
• What was the human cost of keeping you alive over
  the past months?

8
Can you think of a suitable propaganda caption to
accompany this photograph?
9
Why would this photograph not have been seen in
East Berlin?
10

• Answer Q.7 on page 50 in your textbook

11
THE DIVISION OF GERMANY

• On the 23rd May 1949 the three Western zones
  including West Berlin became known as the Federal
  Republic of Germany (WEST GERMANY)
• On the 5th October the Soviet zone was renamed
  the German Democratic Republic (EAST GERMANY)
• The division of Germany had become permanent