Berlin Blockade

• What were the consequences of the Berlin blockade?

  - division of Germany: west set up FRG. Konrad Adenauer of CDU elected as first FRG chancellor. Soviets set up GDR- continuation of four power control in Berlin- formation of NATO- western allies are victorious - USSR look weak, ineffective. Seem like the aggressor
• What were the events of the Berlin blockade?

  - Berlin lay 100 miles within the Soviet occupation zone. Sealed off from rest of Germany since 1946- west Germans in Berlin had to rely on food and energy supplies from the west- between 24th June 1948 and 12th may 1949 USSR blockaded West Berlin - roads, railways and waterways closed. Electricity cut- UK foreign minister, Ernest bevan. Adamant that allies must not use force to access West Berlin but keep it supplied by air- during the blockade, US and UK planes delivered food and coal to 2.2 million west Berliners - ended may 1949
• What were the causes of the Berlin blockade?

  - talks broke down over a US proposal for monetary reform to stimulate German industry. USA and Britain agreed to greater political integration and bizonia was formed - may 1948: France agreed to work with the USA and Britain on currency reform. USSR had not been informed that this was going to happen- Soviets issued their own currency on 23rd June
• Why was Berlin important?

  - middle of eastern bloc - capital: economic centre- important as propaganda victory - no strategic advantage - to give up is to lose