The Berlin Blockade and Airlift 1948–1949

The Berlin Blockade (June 1948 – May 1949) was the first major crisis of the Cold War. It brought the USA and the Soviet Union to the brink of conflict and resulted in one of the most remarkable logistical operations in history — the Berlin Airlift. This lesson examines the causes, events, and consequences of the crisis.

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Background: The Division of Germany and Berlin

After the Second World War, Germany was divided into four zones of occupation (American, British, French, and Soviet). Berlin, located deep inside the Soviet zone, was similarly divided into four sectors.

Zone / Sector	Controlled By
Western zones of Germany	USA, Britain, France
Eastern zone of Germany	Soviet Union
West Berlin	USA, Britain, France
East Berlin	Soviet Union

By 1948, the Western Allies were merging their zones and planning to create a new, independent West German state. They also introduced a new currency, the Deutschmark, to stabilise the economy. Stalin saw these moves as a threat and a violation of the agreements made at Potsdam.

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Causes of the Blockade