Berlin Airlift
Stalin was not satisfied with just the eastern side of Germany. He wanted the west too. He wanted the Allies out of western Berlin. Since Berlin was really in the Soviet-controlled East Germany, he surrounded West Berlin and would not let any supplies in or out. Stalin hoped to bring all of Berlin under communist control.
To answer this cease of supplies, Truman released the Berlin Airlift. This allowed the US and its allies to fly planes delivering supplies (such as food and fuel) across the Soviet lines and into West Berlin. Truman did not want those in West Berlin to starve or freeze.
The Berlin Airlift lasted for almost a year (from June 1948-May 1949).
Stalin soon backed off. But, the two sides became even angrier with each other because of the Berlin Airlift.
PBS Berlin Airlift Page
Stalin was not satisfied with just the eastern side of Germany. He wanted the west too. He wanted the Allies out of western Berlin. Since Berlin was really in the Soviet-controlled East Germany, he surrounded West Berlin and would not let any supplies in or out. Stalin hoped to bring all of Berlin under communist control.
To answer this cease of supplies, Truman released the Berlin Airlift. This allowed the US and its allies to fly planes delivering supplies (such as food and fuel) across the Soviet lines and into West Berlin. Truman did not want those in West Berlin to starve or freeze.
The Berlin Airlift lasted for almost a year (from June 1948-May 1949).
Stalin soon backed off. But, the two sides became even angrier with each other because of the Berlin Airlift.
PBS Berlin Airlift Page
Candy Bombers: We read the book Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot. Watch the CBS video to learn how the relationship between the US and the Germans improved due to the courageous efforts of the "candy bombers."
CBS Video
The Chocolate Pilot article
CBS Video
The Chocolate Pilot article