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The Berlin Crisis: A Turning Point in Cold War

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Introduction

They were both triggered by the crisis of the building of the Berlin Wall that occurred in the early period of the Cold War formation. It continued for several years and brought the world within a hair breath of a nuclear war. This paper aims at analyzing the background of the Berlin Crisis, the events of this crisis, and the consequences that it had.

The Divided City

At the end of World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones, each controlled by one of the Allied powers: the United States of America, USSR, Great Britain and France. The city of Berlin which was positioned to the deep of the Soviet zone was also divided into four sectors. However, when political tones reached their extremes within the Allies, Berlin turned into a small-scale model of the contest with communism against capitalism.

The Berlin Wall

In an attempt to stop the exodus of people moving in search of freedom to western East Germany, the then East German government aided by the Soviet Union put up the Berlin Wall in 1961. This physical barrier served to successfully split the city, with family and friends being torn apart for the night. Also the building of the Berlin Wall indicated the increasing conflict between two superpowers.

The Berlin Airlift

Before the erection of barbed wire through the middle of Berlin, the Soviet Union tried to starve West Berlin by surrounding it with a ring of steel in a bid to force the western powers to quit the city. In response to this the United States and it’s allies established the Berlin Airlift in 1948. For close to one year aircraft dropped food, fuel and other essentials making the city to survive and to challenge soviet might. Many during and after the Berlin Airlift came to understand that the West was capable, willing and ready to stand up the Soviets.

The Crisis Escalates

On the one hand, after the beginning of the construction of the Berlin Wall, tensions in the region grew even higher, and that is why the Berlin Crisis can be divided into two stages – the first one may be considered relatively safe, while the second is much more dangerous. The strategic importance of Berlin was outstanding for both, the United States and the Soviet Union and the confrontation often led to flap by both sides.

The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Berlin Crisis was at its worst during the Cuba Missile Crisis of 1962. For example, the Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles in Cuba after the US placed missiles in Turkey, which are just a few hours’ flight away from Cuban shores. This act of aggression led to a confrontation of the two superpowers wherein the threat of World War Three and nuclear armageddon was very much real. Finally, they succumb to more ferocious bargaining because war has learned to channel the destructive powers of the earth and the people saw it themselves at he nearing edge.

Thus, the aim of the present work is to identify and analyse The Impact of the Berlin Crisis

The Crisis of Berlin was quite significant in determining the outcome of cold war and international relationship.

NATO and Warsaw Pact

After the Berlin Crisis the military parts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Warsaw Pact became more firmly established as opposite blocs. After the construction of the Berlin wall and the aggression of the Soviet union, western countries had tightened their bonds to be a party to the Eastern Bloc. HISTORY The events that emerged during the Berlin Crisis meant that collective defense was an essential part of protecting against Soviets.

Symbol of the Cold War

The East part of the city of Berlin was a << Cold War Icon: Symbol of Division and Power during the Cold War. The Cold War story of families divided by the partitions within Germany and ghastly risks people were willing to take for freedom grabbed the world’s attention and revealed the core of the conflict between communism and democracy. The constructed image of Berlin ensured that the position of the city was fixed in the focus of superpower confrontation.

A Step Towards Détente

Another cause of relaxation of tension between the two superpowers was the Berlin Crisis. Most importantly, following the peak of the crisis which reached its apex in the early 1960s, and as a result of the new leader ship within both the United States and the Soviet Union, each side acknowledged the had no need to engage in direct confrontation. This recognition laid ground for détente — the state of easing acrimony and having talks and limited arms control agreements; the change of Cold War climate.

Conclusion

The Berlin Crisis was an important stage of the Cold War; reflecting the cleavage of the world into the East and the West Blocs. It revealed the possibility of confrontation and war, the tendency of superpowers’ narrowing down the field of cooperation. The Berlin Crisis was also a vivid example of how peace is really a fragile situation and what may happen in case of bolstering tensions.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free