Suppose you are in a fictional city, with a clear divide in terms of beliefs as it is in the post World War II Europe. It is 1948 and relations between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies escalate to an all time high. Germany was divided, and the city of Berlin, split in two, would once again become the centerpiece of an event which would be sure to rewrite history. This event itself is called the Berlin Airlift, it arose tremendous hope to a city getting surrounded and at the same time was clearly implying the intend of the Western nations.
The Lead up to the Berlin Airlift
Before we proceed with the presentation of the Berlin Airlift, its importance should be explained, and so first we have to put it into the context. At the end of the Second World War Germany was occupied by four powers, that is the Soviet Union, the United States, Great Britain and France. Like Potsdam, Berlin, the capital city that lay as deep within the Soviet zone, was also partition four into four sectors. Originally, the divided Berlin was supposed to be for a short while only because of the geopolitical divisions of the city, however, owing to the political and socio-ideological conflicts, the division of the city became longer and long-lasting due to the Cold War struggles’ between the Soviets and the Western Allies.
The alliance between Soviet and the Western Allies was a thin one and this ambassador deteriorated and in June 1948 the Soviets blocked the access roads leading to Berlin. Soviets intended to sever all the overland access to Berlin in order to compel allied forces of the western world to quit Berlin. This move was a direct slap in the face of the idea of a unified Germany and a shot over the bows of the West.
The Beginnings of the Airlift
Sitting astride territory dominated by the soviets, the population of Berlin was threatened with severe and possibly lethal shortages of food, fuel and other necessities. Nevertheless, the Western Allies were insisting on staying put and feeding the Berlin populace. This was the spirit that was realized to bring about the Berlin Airlift also referred to as Operation Vittles.
The airlifting of supplies from West Germany to the besieged citizens of Berlin began on June 26, 1948, in military planes of United States and Great Britain. It meant an incredible airlift operation, round the clock and likewise involved a remarkable logistics component. Cargo planes, mainly C-47s and C-54s, landed at one of three airports in the Western sectors of Berlin: Tempelhof, Gatow, and Tegel. The planes were carrying various necissities like food, fuel and medicine that are needed in a disaster stricken area.
The Airlift in Action
It would also be evidenced by 24 hour operational mode, implying that planes were always in the air or landing, or taking off respectively. The challenge that the pilots encountered is; unfavourable weather, poor visibility and possibility of operations being interfered by the Soviets. But, pilots and their government showed determination and made sure supplies continued to be dropped in Berlin.
Nonetheless, the airlift faced a few challenges as shall be discussed on this page. Due to increased traffic density, the system was characterized by several close calls and crashes. The operation called for the coordination of aircrews, the establishments’ ground crews, and the local and national political authorities. Some other helpful West Berliners also helping during car loading and unloading and helping arranging the supplies as soon as they entered the city.
The Triumph of the Berlin Airlift
However, the Berlin Airlift could be considered an enormous success. The Western Allies during the airlift dropped more than 2,3000 thousand tons of supplies to get the people of Berlin basic needs. It was a monumental task that showed the will power of the Western states and the principle of self-determination.
The Berlin Airlift also had very important political consequences. It attracted global attention and proved the full contrast between two ideologies systems. Ironically, the strategy of the Soviet Union to starve the people of Berlin into submission did not do the trick, that would demonstrate some of the problems of communism and in turn reinforce the determination of the Western Allies to ensure that democracy was defended in the region.
The End of the Berlin Airlift
The Berlin Airlift, came to its formal conclusion on May 12, 1949. By that time, the Soviets had lifted what you might call the ‘blockade’ due to the diplomatic pressure and pressure put which the attempt failed for Soviet plan. However, the effect of the airlift was far reaching as discussed below. It solidified the division of Germany and laid the groundwork for the establishment of two separate states: The Germany country is bifurcate into two; there are the Federal Republic of Germany in the West and the German Democratic Republic in the East.
Legacy and Lessons Learned
The Berlin Airlift has always referred as a successful replenishment of supplies in the face of obstructive forces. Thus, it performs the function of the recollection of the public about the ability to work together with people all over the world and about the unquenchable spirit of people. The airlift also helped the countries gain important experience in diplomacy, and conflict solving skills which would lay down important accomplishments to future negotiations and ceasefires.
Today as we remember Berlin Airlift we celebrate the depth of history and the strength and resilience of the human spirit. The airlift is also another vivid example of a great achievement that was made by pilots and people of Berlin who suffered the consequences of the blockade.
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