The Berlin Blockade

• Causes of the Berlin Blockade

  Main causes: American and Soviet Occupation, Red Scare and McCarthyism, Economic Differences, Polish Boundary Dispute, Yalta Conference, and Western Powers' Support for Berlin
• Main cause of the Cold War


  Post-war tensions, ideological differences, and fear of Soviet expansion
• Key Events of the Berlin Blockade

  June 1948: Truman Doctrine; June 1948: Soviet Takeover of Eastern Europe; June 1948: Soviet Blockade; March-April 1949: Operation Vittles; April 1949: Blockade Lifted; May 1949: West German Constitution; June 1949: Establishment of West Berlin
• Outcomes of the Berlin Blockade

  Lifting of the blockade, recognition of West Berlin, and further deterioration of US-Soviet relations
• Political Repercussions of the Berlin Blockade

  East-West Divide, Cold War Escalation, Creation of NATO, Formation of the Warsaw Pact, Berlin Airlift Legacy, Soviet Military Build-up
• Legacy of the Berlin Blockade

  Persistent tension, hardening of the Cold War ideological lines, and the importance of the Berlin Airlift
• Humanitarian Impact of the Berlin Blockade

  Humanitarian response, care packages, airborne relief, first responder efforts
• Cultural Significance of the Berlin Blockade

  Symbolism of Western determination, humanitarian spirit, and media portrayals
• Impact of the Berlin Airlift

  Sustaining West Berlin, boosting Western unity, isolating the Soviet Union, impacting Soviet foreign policy, and economic benefits
• Impact of the Berlin Airlift on Germany


  West Berlin's survival, economic boost, reunification efforts, Berlin's status, and German identity