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

The Historical Tale: Berlin Blockade and Its Duration

by | Nov 4, 2024 | Original Berlin

The Berlin Blockade’s Starting Point

From June 24, 1948, until May 12, 1949, the Berlin Blockade was a pivotal Cold War event. It started soon after World War II ended when the triumphant Allies split Germany into four occupation zones: the United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.

But when the tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies grew, the Western-owned portions of Berlin—deep inside the Soviet occupation zone—were blocked under embargo. With this blockade, Soviet supremacy over the whole city was sought to be asserted.

Berlin Airways

The Berlin Airlift was one of the most amazing humanitarian actions in history as the Western Allies responded to the embargo. It included the air-based delivery of food, petrol and other basic commodities as well as additional supplies to West Berlin residents.

Beginning on June 26, 1948, United States, Great Britain, and other nations’ transport aircraft started round-the-clock flights into West Berlin. The airlift was crucial in guaranteeing the people of the city would survive since the blockade caused severe shortages and a possibility of famine.

The Berlin Blockade’s Last Length

From June 24, 1948, until May 12, 1949, the Berlin Blockade ran 322 days overall. Road, rail, and water essentially cut West Berlin off from the rest of the world at this time. By restricting all access to the city, the Soviets hoped they may compel the Western Allies to hand over their authority.

The Lift of the Blockade

Though the Soviet Union persisted, the Berlin Blockade finally failed to reach its intended outcome. The Western Allies refused to give up, hence the embargo produced an amazing display of international community collaboration and wilfulness instead.

The Soviet Union removed the blockade on May 12, 1949, understanding that its desired result had not come about. By means of the Berlin Airlift, the Western Allies had effectively overcome the blockade, therefore attesting to the resiliency and solidarity of the concerned countries.

Importance of the Berlin Blockade

The Berlin Blockade affected geopolitics of Europe following war as well as the Cold War. It underlined the official separation of Germany into East and West Germany in 1949 resulting from the widening gulf separating the Soviet Union from the Western powers.

Moreover, the Western Allies’ determination was reinforced by their effective reaction to the embargo via the Berlin Airlift, therefore proving the might of group action against Soviet aggression. It also underlined the United States’ and its allies’ will to defend West Berlin’s people’ freedom and welfare.

Ancestral and Remorse

Berlin and its inhabitants endured long effects from the Berlin Blockade. The resiliency shown by the people during the blockade is a monument to their unflinching will against hardship.

Remnants of the Berlin Wall, subsequently built as a physical barrier separating East from West Berlin, nonetheless serve as a moving reminder of the city’s violent past today. Celebrated through memorials and museums to honour those who engaged and suffered during the blockade, the Berlin Airlift has grown to be a significant component of the city’s history.

In essence,

It is remarkable in the annals of the Cold War in it’s pure significance for a few reasons: It ended June 24, 1948 to May 12, 1949 and it also showed Western Allies determination to protect West Berlin’s freedom as well as the power of collaboration throughout the world.

The Berlin Airlift was remarkable humanitarian aid and it probably saved many lives, it finally showed how weak was the Soviet Union’s efforts to rule the capital by blockade. With this effective handling of this problem, the post war era turned a corner and paved the way to a later fate bringing Germany back together in 1990.

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