The event is accepted globally as one of the significant events around the early years of the Cold War period. This crisis which happened in post – world war II Germany came when on 24th June, 1948, the Soviet Union was dedicated in placing a blockade to West Berlin. Here we come to the components as well as the courses and effects of this important event.

The Context: The state after World War II and the reconstruction of the Germany nation

The Context: Increasing Understanding of Post World War II Germany

It is imperative that the background in which the Berlin Blockade occurred be analyzed as to determine the importance of the event. Following Germany’s defeat in World War II, the victorious Allies divided the country into four zones of occupation: The main forces involved American, British, French and Soviet. The same division was applied in the capital of the country, in Berlin, even though it lay deep within the zone controlled by the Soviets.

In order to rebuilt and de-nazify Germany there were such a partition, however, Soviet Union and Western powers started to have conflicts because of their different political systems and interests.

The Catalyst: The History of the Deutsche Mark

The Catalyst: Before the introduction of the deutsche mark and establishment of as does in much of western europe, pre and post world war two Germany remained a volatile state.

Because of this factor, the West Berliners and between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies, the Berlin Blockade came about as a result of the introduction of Deutsch Mark (DM) by the Allies in their zones including West Berlin. Soviets perceived this as a threat to their hold over the entire city and thus tried to regain that hold.

Smelling rat in the currency change, the Soviet authorities severed all surface communications and access to West Berlin by rail road and canal. This isolating measure was taken with an elaborate intention of uncovering the western Allies and making them quit supporting West Berlin.

The Consequences: The Berlin Airlift in detail; The beginning and the circumstances leading to the airlift.

The Consequences: Critical Journal : Origins of the Berlin Airlift

The consequential Berlin Blockade was in a way turning Western Allies and Soviets into confrontational parties. The fundamental question of the future of West Berliners was decided, because they were surrounded by East Germany and received no food supplies. In response to this crisis the United States, the United Kingdom and other western allies arranged the Berlin Airlift.

The Berlin Airlift commenced on the 26 th of June, 1948two days after the blockade had been initiated. West European nations used their air forces to drop food, fuel and medicines and other basic necessities to the West Berlin. Last year, 277000 flights transported nearly 2.3 million tons of cargo in the year to come.

The Berlin Airlift also served the purpose of proving to the people of West Berlin and the Western Allies that the later would not abandon them and the people of a divided Germany in their fight for freedom and against Soviet/Harmon dictate self-rule.

The Outcome: The breaking of the Blockade and renewal of Divisions

The Outcome: The Break of the Blockade and the Strengthening of Divisions

Finally after almost one year of severe pressure, the Berlin blockade was ended on 12th May 1949. The Soviets came to the conclusion that their blockade had not had the intended result, and so they let it go. However, the division between east and west berline and indeed east and west Germany became even more accentuated.

The Western Allies formed the Federal Republic of Germany, which is called West Germany for short while Soviets formed the German Democratic Republic, shortened to East Germany. Most of these divisions remained in force until the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the actual German unification in 1990.

The Legacy: A symbol of the Cold War and the strong will and great courage of a man.

The Legacy: Contemporary Artwork that depicts Cold War and Human Endurance

The Berlin Blockade remains one of the main indicators of the Stalin’s forces confrontation with the American allies during the Cold War period. It is a story of the untiring commitment and a teamwork spirit largely demonstrated when people work hard to overcome all unfavorable circumstances.

Reflecting on the events that took place with regards to blockade and the Berlin Airlift’s events demonstrated the stenach of the western allies and the light accorded to them about the principles that democracy, freedom, and solidarities.

Conclusion

Conclusion

The Berlin Blockade initiated on June 24, 1948 is an important historical episode in Cold War study. It was as a result of the introduction of the deutsche mark, and led to the famous berlin airlift, a marvelous humanitarian exercise. , although it brings an end to the actual blockade, it further solidified division between east and west Berlin and contributed to the subsequent course of both German and world history for years on forward.