The Berlin blockade, 1948
- Began with currency reforms in West Germany
- Russian block the transportation routes into Berlin
- Allies had to decide to give up Berlin or make other plans
- War was an option
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the berlin Airlift, 1948
- Instead the US decided on a massive airlift to supply the western half of the city
- One aircraft lands every two minutes for fifteen months
- Became a public relations victory and showed the US prosperity
- Example of the Truman Doctrine
- One cause for the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
President Truman said in a speech in 1949 about the American reaction to the Berlin Blockade:
"We refused to be forced out of the city of Berlin. We demonstrated to the people of Europe that we would act and act resolutely, when their freedom was threatened. Politically it brought the people of Western Europe closer to us. The Berlin blockade was a move to test our ability and our will to resist."
"We refused to be forced out of the city of Berlin. We demonstrated to the people of Europe that we would act and act resolutely, when their freedom was threatened. Politically it brought the people of Western Europe closer to us. The Berlin blockade was a move to test our ability and our will to resist."
Summary
The Berlin Blockade was a big challenge for the American government. On one side, they had prevent a war, on the other side, they had to show their solidarity with Germany. The USA managed to fulfill both and the Berlin Airlift became a big public relations victory.