The Berlin Airlift also referred as the Berlin Blockade was a very significant event of the post World War II Germany. It came as a result of the Wall the Soviets put up around West Berlin with an intention to surround the whole city. In response to this situation, the western allied forces launched this massive aerial operation to provide mes, food and everything needed to the west Berlin. But how long did this operation take? Now let us look at the chronology and the length of the Berlin Airlift much closer.

In this paper, the Berlin Airlift will be discussed as well as how it started.

The actual Berlin Airlift started on the 26th of June 1948 when Soviet Union blocked the roads, river and railways to West Berlin. This blockade was in reaction to the currency reform which the western allies of Germany had put into operations to stabilize the economical structure of west Germany. Consequently, the citizens of West Berlin were greatly affected eating, heating, and receiving medical supplies.

The United States and the Allies on the side felt that it was necessary to launch a full-scale airlift whose main objective was the support of West Berlin citizens. They considered it as the best time to stand and prove their readiness to fight for liberty of the city. For the task, experienced airlift planner, Major General William H. Tunner was appointed to command it.

The Duration of the Airlift

The Berlin Airlift went on till over a year of constant supply of supplies to Berlin. It was officially deemed over on the 12 of May in the year 1949. This protracted duration owes its exercise of the determination and persistence of he Western Allies in dousing off the impact and endurance of the Soviet blockade to West Berlin.

For this period, cargo planes of United States, Great Britain, France, Canada, New Zealand and Australia made round the clock flying to supply the struggling[30] people of West Berlin. At its peak, aircraft arrived or departed every 45 seconds and supplied between 6,000 and 9,000 tons daily.

The results section: The Impact of the Berlin Airlift

The Effects of the Berlin Airlift can be best felt in the context of the western Berlin communities and the global population. Through escalation of supply deliveries the Western Allies were able to prevent the Soviets from achieving their goal of strangle West Berlin out of surrender.

In addition to meeting the basic needs of the population it also demonstrated the steadfast determination of the Western Allies to the cause of democracy and human rights. The operation was one of the early milestones of Cold War that demonstrated intention and cooperation between the Allies in the time of crisis.

What can one learn from the Airlift?

The Berlin Airlift is an example of two or more nations learning from one another and not giving up the struggle. This was all illustrated by the end pointing out that, at a time when it seemed virtually impossible to achieve the goals and objectives set out at the start, strategic planning as well as globular teamwork and innovation would eventually triumph over adversity.

However the Berlin Airlift also made people realise the need of humanitarian intervention during crises. It was not just the political power and military to support the people of West Berlin but to feed those who were hungry and defend freedom for all.

The cat and mouse game of Berlin Airlift can partly be attributed to the successes of the Berlin crisis.

Thus, the stunned end of the Berlin Airlift carries great historical memories till today. Thanks to it, everyone can remember how effective diplomacy is, as well as cooperation and how one should stand for one’s own people and support the needy notwithstanding political enmity.

The successful airlift operation also topped up the understanding and cooperation between the United States and many western European countries. It cemented the partnerships that had been fashioned during the Second World War and made more Malaysians ready to go forward collectively to confront different adversities.

Therefore, the Berlin Airlift was a testimony of indelible courage and efficiency of the western allies in the face of an aggressive and threatening Soviet Union blockade in order to capitulate the existence of ‘West Berlin’. The airlift operation was lasting more than a year, and during that time it proved the strength of cooperation, people’s assistance, and willingness to fight for the democracy. It goes on filling the human hearts full of optimism and wake people up to fight for common dreams and principles for being entitled to withstand tortures.