Berlin Blockade

• Causes of the Berlin Blockade

  USA and UK merged occupation zones and introduced a new currency (Deutschmark).

  Many people were drawn to the West as a result of their luxuries and economic success.
• How did Stalin respond to the causes of the Berlin Blockade?

  He felt threatened by Germany's growing strength. He wanted the "cancer" of West Berlin to be removed from the East.
• Describe the event of the Berlin Blockade

  In June 1948, Stalin cut off trade between East and West Berlin. He hoped to force the West to forfeit their occupational zones or go to war.
• How did the West respond to the Berlin Blockade?

  Berlin Airlift: UK and US dropped supplies from the air into West Berlin for 10 months. This led to Stalin calling off the blockade in May 1949.
• Consequences of the Berlin Blockade

  Propaganda victory for the West

  Stalin was humiliated

  Germany divided into two separate states. The new Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) for the West and the German Democratic Republic (GDR)

  NATO was formed

  Tension increased