1.5.2

The Berlin Blockade

Test yourself

The Berlin Blockade, June 1948 - May 1949

The Berlin Blockade was an attempt by Stalin to force the Western Powers to allow the entirety of Berlin to be controlled by the USSR.

Illustrative background for The blockadeIllustrative background for The blockade ?? "content

The blockade

  • The USSR responded to the creation of the Deutsche Mark quickly. Stalin closed all of the access to West Berlin by blocking road and rail links from the Western controlled areas to Berlin.
  • Stalin was attempting to force the Western Powers to allow the entirety of Berlin to be controlled by the USSR. Stalin knew that the powers wouldn’t use military force to stop the blockade.
  • The British believed that the USSR was carrying out the blockade with the view to convert the whole of Germany to communism.
Illustrative background for British & American responseIllustrative background for British & American response ?? "content

British & American response

  • In order to avoid war but prevent communist control, the USA and Britain planned to provide those in Berlin with supplies.
  • The British and Americans dropped supplies by planes into Berlin and made it clear that they would continue to do this for the duration of Stalin’s actions. Stalin did not want war either so wouldn’t shoot down any of the planes bringing aid.
  • Stalin stopped the blockade in May 1949.
Illustrative background for Historical interpretationIllustrative background for Historical interpretation ?? "content

Historical interpretation

  • Historians David Evans and Jane Jenkins (2001) argue that 'Stalin was determined to show the West that their sectors of Berlin existed only on Soviet sufferance. It was also likely that he hoped that he might be able to force the Western powers to withdraw permanently from the city.'
  • Historian John Lewis Gaddis in The Cold War argues that ‘Defensive it may have been, but the offensive character of this (The Berlin Blockade) and the other measures Stalin took in response to the Marshall Plan wound up increasing, not decreasing, the Soviet Union’s security problems.’

Jump to other topics

1Origins of the Cold War, 1945-9

2Widening of the Cold War

3The Global War

4Confrontation & Cooperation

5Brezhnev Era

6Ending of the Cold War

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson